All the People

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

Abraham Pineo Gesner

Canadian geologist, inventor of kerosene
Born
May 2nd, 1797 228 years ago
Died
1864 161 years ago — 67 years old

A physician and geologist, contributed significantly to the study of geology in Canada. Developed a process to distill kerosene from coal and oil shale, which led to its commercialization. His work in the mid-19th century laid the foundation for the modern petroleum industry. Also published several important geological works that contributed to the understanding of Canadian mineral resources.

Continue Reading

Abraham Sarmiento

Filipino journalist and activist
Born
June 5th, 1950 74 years ago
Died
November 11th, 1977 47 years ago — 27 years old

Born in 1950, a journalist and activist in the Philippines. Contributed significantly to the Filipino press and political discourse. Engaged in various movements advocating for press freedom and social justice. Played a crucial role in the fight against dictatorship in the Philippines during the Marcos regime. Also, worked on issues related to democracy and human rights, contributing articles and reports that highlighted the struggles of the Filipino people.

Continue Reading

Abraham Sutzkever

Russian poet and Yiddish literary figure
Born
July 15th, 1913 111 years ago
Died
2010 15 years ago — 97 years old

Born in 1913, a renowned Yiddish poet and author emerged in the literary scene, contributing significantly to Yiddish literature. An influential figure in the 20th century, his poetry often reflected the experiences of Jewish communities during and after World War II. After surviving the Holocaust, he settled in Palestine and continued to write, reflecting on themes of loss, memory, and identity. Sutzkever received several awards, including the Israel Prize for his literary work. His contributions helped preserve Yiddish culture and literature in modern times.

Continue Reading

Abraham Teniers

Flemish painter of genre scenes
Born
March 1st, 1629 396 years ago
Died
1670 355 years ago — 41 years old

Born in 1629, this artist became a prominent figure in landscape and genre painting during the Baroque period. His work exhibited a focus on everyday life, often depicting scenes of farmers and laborers in natural settings. The artist worked in Antwerp and gained recognition for his detailed and vibrant compositions. Many works included elements of humor and storytelling, highlighting social interactions among common folk. Eventually, his contributions to the genre painting established a significant precedent in Flemish art.

Continue Reading

Abraham Trembley

Swiss biologist, studied hydra regeneration
Born
September 3rd, 1710 314 years ago
Died
May 12th, 1784 240 years ago — 73 years old

A biologist and zoologist contributed significantly to the understanding of regeneration in hydra. Conducted systematic investigations on the freshwater polyps, which included observations on their remarkable ability to regenerate lost body parts. Established methods for studying the anatomy of these organisms, providing foundational knowledge in developmental biology. Published several works detailing research findings, influencing future studies in zoology and biology.

Continue Reading

Abraham van Riebeeck

Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies
Born
1653 372 years ago
Died
November 17th, 1713 311 years ago — 60 years old

An important figure in the early history of South Africa, this individual served as the first commander of the Cape Colony. Arrival in 1652 marked the establishment of the Dutch settlement at Cape of Good Hope. His administration focused on the development of the colony, including agriculture and trade. Encouraged immigration to support the workforce, which laid the groundwork for future settlement in the region.

Continue Reading

Abraham Wachner

New Zealand politician and mayor
Born
August 15th, 1892 132 years ago
Died
1950 75 years ago — 58 years old

Served as the 35th Mayor of Invercargill. Held office during a time of significant development in the city. Focused on infrastructure improvements and community services. Actively participated in local governance and initiatives aimed at enhancing urban living.

Continue Reading

Abraham Wald

Mathematician known for decision theory
Born
October 31st, 1902 122 years ago
Died
December 13th, 1950 74 years ago — 48 years old

A mathematician and economist contributed to the field of statistics and decision theory. In the 1940s, worked on statistical methods for wartime applications, including the development of techniques to analyze aircraft damage. Proposed the concept of survivorship bias, emphasizing the need to examine failures rather than just successes. This work has had lasting implications in various fields including economics, military strategy, and operations research.

Continue Reading

Abraham Walkowitz

American painter of modernist works
Born
1878 147 years ago
Died
January 27th, 1965 60 years ago — 87 years old

Associated with the Modernist movement, created a range of abstract and expressionistic paintings throughout his career. His artwork often explored themes of light, color, and movement, reflecting the vibrancy of urban life. Walkowitz’s works were exhibited in numerous galleries and museums, contributing to the development of American modern art. He was influenced by both European painting techniques and American cultural elements, resulting in a unique style that merged various artistic trends.

Continue Reading

Abraham Yates Jr.

American lawyer and civil servant
Born
August 23rd, 1724 300 years ago
Died
June 30th, 1796 228 years ago — 71 years old

Born in 1724, this individual served as a prominent lawyer and civil servant during the American Revolutionary period. He held significant political positions, including serving as the mayor of Albany, New York. Contributing to the establishment of local governance, this individual was involved in the legal and political transformations of the period. His influence extended into the realms of law and civil administration, aiding the transition into a new political landscape following independence.

Continue Reading

Abraham Zacuto

Jewish astronomer and historian
Born
August 12th, 1452 572 years ago
Died
1515 510 years ago — 63 years old

Born in 1452, contributed significantly to astronomy, astrology, mathematics, and history. Served as a royal astronomer to King John II of Portugal. Developed notable astronomical tables which improved navigation techniques. Authored significant works in Jewish history and religious thought, influencing future generations of scholars.

Continue Reading

Abraham Zapruder

Businessman and filmmaker of historic footage
Born
May 15th, 1905 119 years ago
Died
1970 55 years ago — 65 years old

An American businessman and amateur photographer filmed the Zapruder film, which captured the assassination of President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963, in Dallas, Texas. This film became one of the most studied pieces of evidence in American history, providing key visual evidence regarding the events of that day. Zapruder was present at Dealey Plaza with a Bell & Howell 8mm camera when the events unfolded. The film was later used in various investigations and has influenced discussions on the topic of presidential security and the media's role in political events.

Continue Reading