National Sons Day Timeline

1790

Beethoven

Ludwig van Beethoven's father, Johann, attempted a musical career, but we all remember his son, Ludwig, as one of the all-time greatest composers.

1858

Darwin

Robert Darwin carved out a successful career as a physician, but his son, Charles, changed the course of history — and gave lots of credit to his father.

1950

Dr. King

Martin Luther King Jr. wrote of his father's influence: "[He] had a great deal to do with my going in the ministry. This is not to say that he ever spoke to me in terms of being a minister, but that my admiration for him was the great moving factor. He set forth a noble example that I didn't mind following."