Today in contract history—November 20

1272:  Edward I (known as “Longshanks”) succeeds his father Henry III as King of England.  Edward (left) will create the Chancery and the Exchequer, and his reforms for the first time bring substantial commercial disputes into the royal courts.  He also passes laws against the Jews, including prohibiting them from lending money.

1847:  From commercial venture to modern town—trading post at Blacksnake Hills officially changes its name to St. Joseph, Missouri.  The former fur trading post will become one of the most important commercial outfitter for the Western expansion.

1866:  Judge Kenesaw Mountain Landis is born.  As a judge, he presides over the Standard Oil antitrust litigation, and later becomes the first Commissioner of Baseball.  He demands, and gets, a lifetime contract.

1967:  President Johnson announces formation of the National Product Safety Commission.