All the People

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

John Dixwell

English soldier and politician
Born
1607 419 years ago
Died
March 18th, 1689 337 years ago — 82 years old

Served as a soldier during the English Civil War and became a prominent politician in the New Model Army. Participated in key military engagements and later settled in New England, where involvement in political matters continued. Contributed to the republican cause in England and established a significant role in the governance of colonial America. His legacy includes participation in the administration of justice and defense of civil liberties within the community.

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John Doar

American lawyer and civil rights activist
Born
December 3rd, 1921 104 years ago
Died
November 11th, 2014 12 years ago — 92 years old

An American lawyer actively engaged in civil rights issues during the 1960s. Played a significant role in the Mississippi civil rights movement and was directly involved in the prosecution of Ku Klux Klan members for the murder of three civil rights workers. Served as Assistant Attorney General in the U.S. Department of Justice, where efforts included overseeing the federal response to civil rights violations. Participated in various landmark legal cases aimed at desegregation and voting rights. Received numerous accolades for contributions to civil rights law throughout a distinguished career.

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John Dobson

Astronomer and author of telescope design
Born
December 9th, 1787 238 years ago
Died
January 15th, 2014 12 years ago — 226 years old

A Chinese-American astronomer focused on promoting amateur astronomy and public outreach. Developed the Dobsonian telescope, which simplified telescope design and construction for amateur astronomers. Founded the San Francisco Sidewalk Astronomers, making stargazing accessible to the public, and encouraged the use of telescopes for recreational astronomy. Authored several books on the subject of astronomy, contributing to the education of many enthusiasts in the field.

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John Doe

American musician and actor, 'Heart of Gold'
Born
February 25th, 1953 73 years ago

An influential musician, singer-songwriter, actor, and poet with a career spanning multiple decades. Released iconic albums that include 'Heart of Gold' and 'After the Gold Rush'. Contributed significantly to the folk rock genre. Acted in films including 'The Last Waltz' and 'The Player'. His work has been characterized by emotional depth and lyrical exploration of personal themes.

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John Dollond

Optician and astronomer with telescopes
Born
June 21st, 1706 320 years ago
Died
November 30th, 1761 264 years ago — 55 years old

An English optician and astronomer contributed significantly to the development of telescopes. Invented the achromatic lens, which improved clarity in observing celestial bodies and helped advance the field of astronomy. Established a successful optical business and served as a member of the Royal Society. Had an enduring influence on optical science and contributed to various advancements in lens design.

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John Doman

Actor known for 'The Wire' and 'Billions'
Born
January 9th, 1945 81 years ago

An American actor, active in film, television, and theater. Gained prominence for powerful performances in various roles. Notable work includes a significant role in the acclaimed television series 'The Wire' as Rawls, contributing to the show's critical success. Also appeared in Showtime's 'Billions' as the character Chuck Rhoades Sr. and performed in various theatrical productions throughout the career. Doman's work spans several decades, showcasing versatility and depth in acting.

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John Donaldson

English lawyer and judge
Born
October 6th, 1920 106 years ago
Died
2005 21 years ago — 85 years old

Baron Donaldson of Lymington served as a prominent English lawyer and judge. Educated at Oxford, developed expertise in law and undertook several significant judicial roles. Held the position of Master of the Rolls, overseeing many important legal decisions in England. Engaged in reform efforts within the legal system, aiming to improve efficiency and accessibility of justice. Notably presided over groundbreaking cases, shaping the interpretation of law in various areas.

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John Donne

English poet and metaphysical poet
Born
January 22nd, 1573 453 years ago
Died
March 31st, 1631 395 years ago — 58 years old

A prominent figure in the literary landscape of the early 17th century, this individual was both an accomplished lawyer and a poet. With a body of work that encapsulated love, death, and spirituality, the poetry often featured complex metaphors characteristic of the metaphysical style. Significant contributions include notable poetry collections and sermons. The individual's work has influenced countless writers and poets in subsequent generations.

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John Dos Passos

Novelist and playwright of U.S.A.
Born
January 14th, 1896 130 years ago
Died
September 28th, 1970 56 years ago — 74 years old

An American novelist, poet, and playwright, contributed significantly to modern American literature. Wrote the U.S.A. trilogy, which includes the notable works The 42nd Parallel, 1919, and The Big Money. His writings often explored social and political themes and incorporated innovative narrative techniques. In addition to fiction, created works for the stage and engaged in social activism throughout his career.

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John Doubleday

British craftsperson and restorer
Died
January 25th, 1856 170 years ago — None years old

A craftsperson, restorer, and dealer in antiques, Doubleday specialized in the restoration of furniture and decorative art. His work contributed to the preservation of historic items, allowing them to be enjoyed by future generations. Active in the 19th century, he played a significant role in the antique restoration scene in Britain, and his techniques influenced the craftsmanship of his time.

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John Douglas

Scottish nobleman and boxing advocate
Born
April 11th, 1830 196 years ago
Died
January 31st, 1900 126 years ago — 69 years old

The 9th Marquess of Queensberry was a Scottish nobleman, most notably remembered for his association with the sport of boxing. His advocacy for the sport led to the creation of the Queensberry Rules, a set of rules that formalized boxing matches and established key elements such as the use of gloves and the introduction of timed rounds. These rules significantly contributed to the evolution of modern boxing. Aside from his influence on sports, the Marquess was involved in various social pursuits typical of the aristocracy in his era.

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John Dowland

English lute player and composer
Born
1563 463 years ago
Died
February 20th, 1626 400 years ago — 63 years old

A prominent lute player and composer from England, contributed significantly to the Renaissance music scene. Dowland's compositions include a wealth of lute songs and instrumental pieces. His well-known works, such as "Flow My Tears," became popular in both vocal and instrumental forms. Additionally, Dowland held the position of lutenist to Queen Elizabeth I and later served King James I, which placed him prominently in the royal courts of his time. His innovative approach to music and mastery of the lute enhanced the repertoire and popularity of the instrument in 16th-century England.

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