What is associated with: before he disappeared in 1914 this dictionary writer penned such ghost stories as the haunted valley?

What is associated with: before he died in 1981 he was the usas last surviving 5 star officer? What is associated with: before he died in 1996 this chicago cardinal gave us the bestseller the gift of peace? Based on the clue 'before he died this poet requested that crossing t...', what is the answer? Based on the clue 'before he directed rene russo in ransom this happy...', what is the answer? Based on the clue 'before he got his big break playing the lead at wa...', what is the answer? Based on the clue 'before he hosted his hbo show he hosted the late n...', what is the answer? Based on the clue 'before he made a telescope hans lippershey made a ...', what is the answer? Based on the clue 'before he played dirty harry he made a name for hi...', what is the answer?