All the People

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

Joseph Valachi

American gangster and mob informant
Born
1904 122 years ago
Died
April 3rd, 1971 55 years ago — 67 years old

Involved in organized crime, a significant figure in the Genovese crime family. Valachi became the first mobster to publicly acknowledge the existence of the Mafia in the United States. Testified before the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Investigations in 1963, detailing the inner workings of organized crime and consolidating Mafia operations. His revelations contributed to public awareness of the Mafia's influence on American society.

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Joseph Vaz

Indian-Sri Lankan priest and saint
Born
April 21st, 1651 375 years ago
Died
January 16th, 1711 315 years ago — 59 years old

Born in India, dedicated life to missionary work in Sri Lanka during the late 17th century. Contributed significantly to the Catholic Church in the region amidst challenging circumstances. Alongside establishing numerous missions, provided spiritual guidance to local communities. Canonized in 2015, recognized as a symbol of faith and resilience.

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Joseph Victor von Scheffel

German poet and author of 'Ekkehard'
Born
February 16th, 1826 200 years ago
Died
1886 140 years ago — 60 years old

Born in 1826, this individual contributed significantly to German literature. The works often showcased a blend of vivid imagery and historical themes. 'Ekkehard', one of the most notable works, illustrated medieval life and legends. Additionally, the individual wrote numerous poems and essays, establishing a reputation as a leading figure in 19th-century German poetry. The writings reflect deep cultural and historical insights, captivating a wide audience.

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Joseph von Fraunhofer

German physicist and astronomer
Born
March 6th, 1787 239 years ago
Died
June 7th, 1826 200 years ago — 39 years old

Contributions to the field of optics and spectroscopy marked a significant advancement in physics. Established the method of using diffraction gratings for spectral analysis. Conducted extensive research on the properties of light and developed the first high-quality optical glasses. His work laid the foundation for future explorations in both astronomy and physical sciences.

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Joseph von Radowitz

Prussian general, Foreign Minister
Born
February 6th, 1797 229 years ago
Died
1853 173 years ago — 56 years old

A Prussian general and politician who served as the Foreign Minister of Prussia. Held significant influence during the critical period leading up to the unification of Germany. Involved in key diplomatic negotiations and military strategies. Promoted the idea of a unified German state under Prussian leadership. Later played a role in establishing the framework for German foreign policy during this transformative era.

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Joseph Wambaugh

American crime fiction author
Born
January 22nd, 1937 89 years ago

Born in 1937, an author primarily focused on crime fiction, gained recognition with the debut novel, "The New Centurions," based on experiences as a Los Angeles police officer. His works often blend police procedural with elements of social commentary, reflecting real-life cases and law enforcement culture. Researched police practices extensively to create compelling narratives. The novel "The Onion Field" was based on a real-life murder case and further showcased the darker aspects of crime and justice.

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Joseph Wapner

Television Judge on The People's Court
Born
November 15th, 1919 106 years ago
Died
February 26th, 2017 9 years ago — 97 years old

Served as a judge in the Los Angeles County Superior Court and later became a television personality. Gained recognition as the presiding judge on the reality courtroom series 'The People's Court', which premiered in 1981 and popularized the genre of court shows. Wapner's rigorous but fair adjudication style contributed to the show's success and longevity. His contributions to the legal and television fields made him a well-recognized figure in American popular culture.

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Joseph Ward

New Zealand Prime Minister and businessman
Born
April 26th, 1856 170 years ago
Died
July 8th, 1930 96 years ago — 74 years old

Born in Australia, a prominent businessman and politician served as the 17th Prime Minister of New Zealand. During tenure, implemented significant economic reforms. Ordained with leadership in the Liberal Party, contributed to the establishment of the New Zealand Railways and was involved in the introduction of several social policies. Later served as Minister of Finance, overseeing budgets that facilitated infrastructure growth.

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Joseph Warren

American physician and general
Born
June 11th, 1741 285 years ago
Died
1775 251 years ago — 34 years old

A prominent figure during the American Revolution, this individual played a crucial role in the early stages of the conflict. He served as a doctor and was active in the organization of colonial resistance against British rule. Warren delivered the famous speech known as the 'Liberty Tree' speech and participated in the Boston Tea Party. He was appointed as a major general in the Massachusetts militia and commanded troops during the Battle of Bunker Hill, where he was mortally wounded. His death became a rallying point for the American cause.

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Joseph Weizenbaum

Computer Scientist and Author of ELIZA
Born
January 8th, 1923 103 years ago
Died
March 5th, 2008 18 years ago — 85 years old

Born in Germany, contributed significantly to computer science and artificial intelligence. Developed ELIZA, an early natural language processing program which simulated conversation. This work explored the relationship between human and machine communication. In addition to his programming work, authored several influential texts on the ethical implications of artificial intelligence and technology's impact on society. Immigrated to the United States in the early 1930s, where he continued his research at various academic institutions.

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Joseph Wenzel I

Prince of Liechtenstein
Born
August 9th, 1696 330 years ago
Died
1772 254 years ago — 76 years old

Born in 1696, served as the Prince of Liechtenstein from 1712 until 1718. His reign was characterized by efforts to promote the region’s political stability and economic development. He worked to strengthen ties with neighboring regions and fostered a more centralized government. His leadership was crucial in navigating the challenges faced during his short rule, influencing the political landscape of the principality.

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Joseph Wheeler

American general and politician
Born
September 10th, 1836 190 years ago
Died
1906 120 years ago — 70 years old

Served as a Confederate general during the American Civil War and later as a U.S. Congressman. Fought in notable battles such as the Battle of Gettysburg and the Battle of Atlanta. After the Civil War, held various political positions, including serving in the U.S. House of Representatives from Alabama. Played a significant role in the Spanish-American War as a major general in the United States Army.

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