All the People

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

William Auld

Scottish Poet and Expert in Esperanto
Born
1924 101 years ago
Died
September 11th, 2006 19 years ago — 82 years old

Contributed significantly to the literature of Esperanto, producing a substantial body of work that includes poetry, translations, and essays. Authored several books, including 'Mondo de la Espero' and 'La Espero'. Played a key role in promoting Esperanto through literary and educational channels. Actively participated in international Esperanto events and organizations, advocating for the language and culture.

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William A. Wellman

American film director and producer
Born
February 29th, 1896 129 years ago
Died
December 9th, 1975 49 years ago — 79 years old

Esteemed film director and producer contributed significantly to early American cinema. Directed the classic film 'Wings,' which won the first Academy Award for Best Picture in 1929. Also known for the western 'The Ox-Bow Incident' and the drama 'A Star Is Born.' His career spanned several decades, during which he worked with numerous stars and explored various genres, including war films and musicals.

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William Ayers

Educator and Weather Underground leader
Born
December 26th, 1944 80 years ago

An academic and activist, this individual became a prominent figure during the 1960s as a member of the Weather Underground, a radical group opposed to the Vietnam War. He engaged in various forms of activism, focusing on education reform and social justice. Teaching for many years at the University of Illinois at Chicago, contributions to educational practices and reform movements marked a significant part of his career. The individual authored multiple books on education and activism, emphasizing progressive educational methods and critical pedagogy.

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William Babcock Hazen

American General during Civil War
Born
September 27th, 1830 195 years ago
Died
1887 138 years ago — 57 years old

Graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1855. Fought in the American Civil War, serving as a Union general. Played a key role in the Battle of Stones River, contributing to the Union victory. After the Civil War, held various commands including overseeing the Department of the Missouri and the Department of Texas. Advocated for the reorganization of the U.S. Army's signal corps and promoted the use of telegraph in military operations. Served as a commander of the 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, IV Corps at the Battle of Chickamauga.

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William Babington

Anglo-Irish physician and mineralogist
Born
May 21st, 1756 269 years ago
Died
April 29th, 1833 192 years ago — 76 years old

Contributed to the field of mineralogy and medicine during the early 19th century. Worked as a physician and was involved in scientific research. Published significant findings in the field of mineralogy and is credited with enhancing the understanding of various minerals and their applications. Engaged in the study of geological formations and their properties. Involved with the Royal Society, influencing the scientific community of the time.

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William Backhouse

English alchemist and astrologer
Born
January 17th, 1593 432 years ago
Died
1662 363 years ago — 69 years old

Born in 1593, this individual achieved recognition as an alchemist and astrologer, contributing significantly to the fields of natural philosophy and esoteric science. Active during the early 17th century, the work involved experimentation and the exploration of the cosmos's influence on earthly matters. This individual published several texts that combined alchemical practices with astrological insights, influencing later thinkers and practitioners in these fields.

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William Bainbridge

American commodore and naval officer
Born
May 7th, 1774 251 years ago
Died
1833 192 years ago — 59 years old

Served as a commodore in the United States Navy. Commanded the USS Philadelphia during the First Barbary War and was captured by the Tripolitan forces. Later commanded the USS Constitution during the War of 1812, leading the ship to victory against HMS Java. His naval career spanned several important conflicts and solidified his reputation in early American naval history.

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William Baldwin

American actor, 'Backdraft' star
Born
February 21st, 1963 62 years ago

Born in 1963, gained prominence in the entertainment industry through several films and television shows. Gained recognition for roles in films and series during the late 1980s and 1990s. Appeared in the movie 'Backdraft' as firefighter Stephen 'Bull' McCaffrey, which highlighted the dangers of firefighting. Also portrayed important roles in 'The Squid and the Whale' and 'Silver'. Beyond film, engaged in philanthropic efforts and founded the charitable organization, The Baldwin Foundation, which focuses on various social issues.

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William Barrington

English politician and Chancellor of the Exchequer
Born
1717 308 years ago
Died
February 1st, 1793 232 years ago — 76 years old

Served as the Chancellor of the Exchequer in Great Britain, overseeing financial matters during a significant period. Held the title of 2nd Viscount Barrington and contributed to legislative processes. Engaged in parliamentary debates and policy-making issues pertaining to taxation and public finance. His tenure influenced fiscal strategies and government spending during his time in office.

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William Bast

Screenwriter of 'The Killing of Sister George'
Born
April 3rd, 1931 94 years ago
Died
May 4th, 2015 10 years ago — 84 years old

A screenwriter and author, this individual contributed to various film and television projects during the mid-20th century. The screenplay for the film 'The Killing of Sister George' became a point of reference in the analysis of LGBTQ+ themes in cinema. In addition to screenplay writing, the individual authored several books that often explored complex characters and societal issues. In 1970, the film adaptation of 'The Killing of Sister George' garnered attention and controversy, solidifying a legacy in screenwriting that addressed themes of sexuality and relationships.

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William Bate Hardy

English biologist and academic researcher
Born
April 6th, 1864 161 years ago
Died
1934 91 years ago — 70 years old

Contributed extensively to the field of biology, particularly in the study of genetics and evolution. Served as a professor at various academic institutions, influencing the education of many students. Authored several papers that advanced understanding in microbiology and botany. Participated in research that laid the groundwork for future discoveries in genetic inheritance.

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William Baziotes

American painter and academia figure
Born
June 11th, 1912 113 years ago
Died
June 6th, 1963 62 years ago — 50 years old

A prominent American painter, significant contributions were made to the abstract expressionism movement in the mid-20th century. Baziotes studied at the Art Students League of New York and later taught at various institutions, including the Brooklyn Museum Art School. His paintings often exhibited a blend of abstraction and surrealism, characterized by their use of color and form. Baziotes participated in numerous exhibitions and gained recognition for his work in the 1940s and 1950s, helping to shape modern art during that period.

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