All the People

If you just want to see the people in our database you can browse them here.

George Washington Goethals

American general overseeing Panama Canal
Born
June 29th, 1858 168 years ago
Died
January 21st, 1928 98 years ago — 69 years old

An American general and engineer played a pivotal role in the construction of the Panama Canal. Appointed as the chief engineer of the Panama Canal project, led efforts that successfully completed the canal, an engineering marvel connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Oversaw the transition from French to American construction efforts and implemented significant health measures to control diseases such as yellow fever and malaria that plagued workers. Was appointed as the first governor of the Panama Canal Zone after the canal's completion, managing its operations and governance.

Continue Reading

George Washington Parke Custis

American author and playwright
Born
1781 245 years ago
Died
October 10th, 1857 169 years ago — 76 years old

An author and playwright with significant contributions to American literature during the 19th century. Played a major role in the promotion of the works of William Shakespeare in the United States. Established an estate in Arlington, Virginia known as Arlington House, which served as a memorial to George Washington. Actively engaged in building an appreciation of American history through storytelling and drama.

Continue Reading

George Waterhouse

7th Prime Minister of New Zealand
Born
April 6th, 1824 202 years ago
Died
August 6th, 1906 120 years ago — 82 years old

Born in England, migrated to New Zealand where a political career began. Served as a member of the House of Representatives and held various ministerial roles. Appointed as the 7th Prime Minister of New Zealand, overseeing significant political and social changes during tenure. Advocated for land reform and worked on issues affecting settlers and indigenous populations. His leadership contributed to shaping New Zealand's early government structure.

Continue Reading

George W. Bush

43rd President of the United States
Born
July 6th, 1946 80 years ago

Served as the 43rd President from 2001 to 2009. Prior to the presidency, held the position of Governor of Texas from 1995 to 2000. Implemented the No Child Left Behind Act aimed at improving education. Led the United States following the September 11 attacks, initiating military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. His administration focused on tax cuts, education reform, and a Medicare prescription drug benefit.

Continue Reading

George W. Campbell

U.S. Secretary of the Treasury
Born
February 9th, 1769 257 years ago
Died
1848 178 years ago — 79 years old

Born in Scotland and later emigrating to America, served as the fifth Secretary of the Treasury from 1814 to 1815. Prior to this role, engaged in law and politics, representing Tennessee in the U.S. Senate. Played a significant role in financial matters during the War of 1812, advocating for loans and the management of national finances.

Continue Reading

George W. De Long

Naval officer and Arctic explorer
Born
August 22nd, 1844 182 years ago
Died
1881 145 years ago — 37 years old

Served as a naval officer in the United States Navy, emphasizing Arctic exploration. Led the ill-fated Jeannette expedition from 1879 to 1881, aimed at reaching the North Pole through the Bering Strait. The expedition ultimately became trapped in ice, and De Long perished in 1881 while attempting to reach land. His diaries and reports provided valuable insights into Arctic conditions and navigation.

Continue Reading

George Weah

Footballer and 25th President of Liberia
Born
October 1st, 1966 60 years ago

A prominent footballer and politician, this individual played professionally in various leagues, eventually joining AC Milan, where significant achievements included winning the Serie A title and being awarded the FIFA World Player of the Year in 1995. Transitioning to a political career, he became a member of the Liberian Senate and later was elected as the 25th President of Liberia, assuming office in January 2018. His leadership has focused on various national issues.

Continue Reading

George Weidenfeld

Austrian-English journalist and publisher
Born
September 13th, 1919 107 years ago
Died
2016 10 years ago — 97 years old

Born in Austria, a significant role in journalism and publishing spanned several decades. Co-founded Weidenfeld & Nicolson, which became a prominent publishing house in the UK. Contributed to various humanitarian efforts, particularly related to refugee support, during and after World War II. Served as a prolific writer and commentator on political and cultural issues. Received the honorary title of Baron in the UK.

Continue Reading

George Welch

American soldier and test pilot
Born
1918 108 years ago
Died
October 12th, 1954 72 years ago — 36 years old

Served as a test pilot during and after World War II, contributing to the development of jet aircraft. Achieved notable success in flight testing and worked extensively with several military aircraft, including the North American P-51 Mustang. Played a significant role in the early phases of jet aircraft technology and testing. His expertise in aviation led to improvements in aircraft performance and safety for the United States Air Force. Involved in multiple test flights that pushed the boundaries of aircraft capabilities.

Continue Reading

George Wells Beadle

Geneticist and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
October 22nd, 1903 123 years ago
Died
June 9th, 1989 37 years ago — 85 years old

A prominent geneticist and academic, significantly contributed to the understanding of genetic processes. Conducted pioneering research on the relationship between genes and enzymes, leading to the formulation of the one gene-one enzyme hypothesis. Served as a professor at the University of Chicago and vice president for academic affairs at the University of California. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1958 alongside Edward Tatum and Joshua Lederberg for discoveries concerning the mechanisms of hereditary transmission and variation.

Continue Reading

George Wendt

Actor best known for Cheers
Born
October 17th, 1948 78 years ago

An American actor and comedian, celebrated for portraying Norm Peterson on the television sitcom Cheers, which aired from 1982 to 1993. The role earned several award nominations and garnered widespread recognition. In addition to Cheers, appearances included films such as Fletch and the stage production of the original Chicago production of the musical Hair. Wendt has also engaged in voice work for animated series and made guest appearances on various shows, continuing to contribute to the entertainment industry over the decades.

Continue Reading

George W. Fuller

Chemist and engineer, water purification pioneer
Born
December 21st, 1868 157 years ago
Died
1934 92 years ago — 66 years old

Contributions to the field of sanitary engineering included significant developments in water purification processes. Designed and implemented the first modern water filtration system using sand and gravel in 1897. Worked on the initiation of the first water treatment plants in the United States, improving public health through effective water treatment strategies. Published extensively on water purification, laying the groundwork for modern environmental engineering practices.

Continue Reading