All the People

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

Walter Piston

Composer and music theorist
Born
January 20th, 1894 132 years ago
Died
November 12th, 1976 49 years ago — 82 years old

A prominent American composer and theorist, contributions spanned both the realms of composition and music education. Served as a professor at Harvard University and influenced future generations of musicians. Composed symphonies, concertos, and chamber music that demonstrated a deep understanding of harmony and form. Works often incorporated elements of American folk music while maintaining a classical structure, reflecting the evolving musical landscape of the 20th century.

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Walter Raleigh

English explorer and poet, 'The Discovery of Guiana'
Born
January 22nd, 1552 474 years ago
Died
October 29th, 1618 407 years ago — 66 years old

Born in England, this individual gained prominence as a poet, soldier, and courtier. He served as a favorite of Queen Elizabeth I and played a significant role in the English colonization of the Americas. His expeditions to the New World are well-documented, particularly the exploration of the Orinoco River in present-day Venezuela. He sought to establish a colony at Roanoke Island, though it ultimately failed. The individual is also recognized for literary contributions, most notably the poem 'The Nymph's Reply to the Shepherd'. His ventures into exploration and colonialism have left a lasting legacy in English history.

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Walter Rangeley

English sprinter, Olympic competitor
Born
December 14th, 1903 122 years ago
Died
1982 44 years ago — 79 years old

Competed in athletics, specializing in sprinting events. Participated in the 1924 Summer Olympics in Paris, where he represented Great Britain in the men's 4 × 100 meters relay and the men's individual 100 meters race. Had a successful career in various national competitions and played a significant role in promoting the sport in England during the early 20th century.

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Walter Rauff

German SS officer involved in wartime actions
Born
June 19th, 1906 119 years ago
Died
May 14th, 1984 41 years ago — 77 years old

Served as an SS officer during World War II, holding various positions within the Nazi regime. Played a significant role in the implementation of deportation and extermination policies. Involved in the development of mobile gas vans used for mass executions, contributing to the atrocities of the Holocaust. After the war, fled Europe and lived in South America, where he continued to evade justice until his death.

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Walter Rauschenbusch

Theologian and key figure in Social Gospel
Born
October 4th, 1861 164 years ago
Died
1918 108 years ago — 57 years old

An American pastor and theologian, contributed significantly to the Social Gospel movement in the early 20th century. Advocated for social justice and the application of Christian ethics to social problems. Held a teaching position at Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School, where influential works were created. Writings emphasized the need for societal reform based on Christian principles and included discussions on poverty, labor rights, and the role of the church in addressing social issues.

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Walter Ray Williams Jr.

Professional bowler with world titles
Born
October 6th, 1959 66 years ago

A professional bowler, this individual has achieved significant success in the sport of bowling. With a career spanning several decades, this bowler has secured over 100 professional titles, marking a record within the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA). The individual participated in numerous tournaments, earning accolades and recognition in the bowling community. Notable achievements include multiple PBA Player of the Year awards and a strong performance in major championships. This bowler has also demonstrated skills in various formats, contributing to the popularity of the sport.

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Walter Reed

Physician known for yellow fever research
Born
September 13th, 1851 174 years ago
Died
November 22nd, 1902 123 years ago — 51 years old

A physician and biologist contributed significantly to medical science through research on infectious diseases. Reed led the research team that established the mode of transmission of yellow fever, demonstrating that the disease was spread by mosquitoes. This work laid the groundwork for effective control measures and had a lasting impact on public health policy. Reed served as a prominent figure in the U.S. Army Medical Corps and contributed to advancements in the field of bacteriology and tropical medicine.

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Walter Reuther

American union leader and labor organizer
Born
September 1st, 1907 118 years ago
Died
May 9th, 1970 55 years ago — 62 years old

An influential labor leader, played a pivotal role in advancing workers' rights through union organization. Served as the president of the United Auto Workers (UAW) from 1946 until death in 1970. Advocated for industrial unionism and implemented strategies that improved working conditions and wages for American workers. Engaged in significant negotiations that contributed to better labor contracts in the automotive industry. Actively involved in civil rights and anti-war movements, highlighting social justice alongside labor issues.

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Walter Robins

English cricketer and footballer
Born
June 3rd, 1906 119 years ago
Died
1968 58 years ago — 62 years old

Played professional cricket and football during the early 20th century. Achieved recognition as a cricketer with several appearances for Sussex between 1927 and 1938. In football, played as a forward for various clubs including Portsmouth and Brighton & Hove Albion, contributing to their successes in the Football League.

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Walter Rodney

Guyanese historian and activist
Born
March 23rd, 1942 84 years ago
Died
June 13th, 1980 45 years ago — 38 years old

An influential historian, scholar, and activist contributed significantly to the understanding of Caribbean history and colonialism. Authored the book "How Europe Underdeveloped Africa," which critically examined the impact of European colonialism on African economies. Rodney's activism included mobilizing for worker rights and pan-African unity. His political involvement led to his expulsion from Guyana in 1968 due to his opposition to the government. Later, he continued his academic and political work in Jamaica and other countries, advocating for social justice and historical awareness.

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Walter Röhrl

Race car driver, two-time World Champion
Born
March 7th, 1947 79 years ago

A highly skilled race car driver from Germany, achieved notable success in various rally championships. Won the World Rally Championship title twice, in 1980 and 1982, driving for Audi. Demonstrated exceptional talent in both rally and circuit racing. Gained recognition for driving prowess in the Porsche 911 in endurance racing events. Transitioned to a successful career as a rally instructor and television personality after retiring from competitive racing.

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Walter Rudolf Hess

Physiologist, Nobel Prize laureate
Born
March 17th, 1881 145 years ago
Died
August 12th, 1973 52 years ago — 92 years old

A Swiss physiologist and academic contributed significantly to the understanding of the brain and its functions. Conducted pioneering research on the hypothalamus, elucidating its role in regulating autonomic functions and behavior. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1949 for discoveries regarding the functional organization of the interbrain. Published numerous scientific papers and held prestigious academic positions throughout a distinguished career.

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