Events in History Oct 12 Rudolf II succeeds Maximilian II as Holy Roman Emperor Oct 19 Dutch provinces begin consultation about Spanish existence Oct 20 Spanish troops occupy & plunder Maastricht Birthdays in History Oct 7 John Marston, English poet and playwright (d. 1634) Oct 12 Thomas Dudley, British colonial governor of Massachusetts, born in Northamptonshire, England (d. 1653) Oct 30 Enrico Caterino Davila, Italian writer (Storia delguerre civili Francia), born in Padua, Italy (d. 1631) Deaths in History Oct 12 Maximilian II, Holy Roman Emperor (1564-76), dies Oct 26 Frederick II the Vrome, ruler of Palts, dies 1575 On This Day in History 1577