All the People

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

William Cooper

American judge and politician, founded Cooperstown
Born
December 2nd, 1754 270 years ago
Died
1809 216 years ago — 55 years old

Born in 1754, a prominent American figure contributed significantly to the establishment of a community in New York that would later be named Cooperstown. Served as a judge and held various local offices, playing a role in the governance of the region. His activities in land speculation and development attracted settlers and promoted economic growth in the area. His influence extended beyond local governance, advocating for legislative changes and community organization during the early years of the United States.

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William Corby

American priest and academic leader
Born
1833 192 years ago
Died
December 28th, 1897 127 years ago — 64 years old

Served as a prominent priest and academic figure. Played a significant role in the Catholic Church and education, contributing to the establishment of the University of Notre Dame during its formative years. Held the position of president of Notre Dame, influencing its direction and growth. Developed the curriculum and promoted the importance of higher education within the church.

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William Corless Mills

Historian and curator with a focus on American history
Born
January 2nd, 1860 165 years ago
Died
1928 97 years ago — 68 years old

A historian and curator, contributed to the understanding of American history through extensive research and writing. Played a significant role in organizing historical collections and exhibitions. Served as a curator in various institutions, enhancing public access to historical artifacts and documents. Focused on promoting historical education and awareness among the public.

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William Cornelius Van Horne

Railroad executive and builder of CPR
Born
February 3rd, 1843 182 years ago
Died
1915 110 years ago — 72 years old

A prominent railroad executive and businessman, significant contributions were made to the development of the Canadian Pacific Railway. Served as General Manager and later President of the Canadian Pacific Railway, overseeing the completion of its transcontinental route. Implemented innovative strategies that facilitated the expansion and efficiency of the railway. Also engaged in various other business ventures and held a key role in promoting tourism in Canada.

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William Cornwallis

Admiral and politician, known for naval battles
Born
February 20th, 1744 281 years ago
Died
July 5th, 1819 206 years ago — 75 years old

Served as an English admiral and politician during the late 18th century. Commanded the British fleet in the West Indies and participated in naval engagements during the American Revolutionary War. Held significant political roles, including Governor-General of India, where contributed to military and administrative reforms. Played key roles in various military campaigns, showcasing strategic leadership in both naval and colonial contexts.

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William Cosmo Monkhouse

English poet and literary critic
Born
March 18th, 1840 185 years ago
Died
July 20th, 1901 124 years ago — 61 years old

Born in 1840, a noted English poet and critic. Contributed significantly to the literary landscape of the 19th century through poetry that explored themes of nature and society. Worked as a reviewer for several periodicals, offering critiques of contemporary literature and contributing to the understanding of poetic forms. His critical essays provided insight into the works of other poets, and he was engaged in the promotion of poetry among the public. Monkhouse also produced a collection of poetry that reflected the aesthetics and sentiments of his time, achieving recognition within literary circles.

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William Coventry

English politician and civil servant
Born
1628 397 years ago
Died
June 23rd, 1686 339 years ago — 58 years old

A politician served in the English Parliament during the 17th century. Played a significant role in the administration under King Charles II. Contributed to the development of governmental policies and practices during a politically tumultuous time. Represented the city of Worcester as a Member of Parliament and held various offices that influenced the governance of England. His career included efforts towards reform and management of civil affairs, proving vital in the shifting landscape of the Restoration period.

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William Cowper

English poet and hymn writer
Born
November 26th, 1731 293 years ago
Died
April 25th, 1800 225 years ago — 68 years old

An English poet and hymn writer contributed significantly to 18th-century literature. Played a crucial role in the revival of the English hymn tradition through the publication of 'The Olney Hymns'. Also known for the poem 'The Task', which showcased a shift towards a more personal and reflective style in poetry. Struggled with mental health issues throughout life, which influenced his work and themes of his poetry.

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William Crichton

Scottish engineer and shipbuilder
Born
November 29th, 1827 197 years ago
Died
April 10th, 1889 136 years ago — 61 years old

An engineer and shipbuilder, contributed significantly to maritime technology in the 19th century. Founded a shipbuilding company that produced notable vessels. His work included innovations in ship design and construction methods that enhanced the performance and safety of ships.

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William Croft

Organist and composer of 'A Song of Praise'
Born
December 30th, 1678 346 years ago
Died
August 14th, 1727 298 years ago — 48 years old

An English organist and composer contributed significantly to the Baroque music tradition. Served as the organist at St. Anne's Church in Soho and held the prestigious position of organist at Westminster Abbey. Composed numerous anthems, cantatas, and choral works, showcasing a distinct style with rich harmonies. 'A Song of Praise' became a well-regarded piece within the choral repertoire. Additionally, Croft was involved in publishing music collections, facilitating access to choral compositions during his time.

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William Crookes

Chemist and physicist; inventor of the Crookes tube
Born
June 17th, 1832 193 years ago
Died
April 4th, 1919 106 years ago — 86 years old

Contributed significantly to the study of atomic structure and radiation. Conducted experiments in spectroscopy and developed new vacuum tubes that led to advancements in electronics. Demonstrated the existence of thallium in 1861 using spectroscopy. Worked on the properties of cathode rays, leading to the development of the Crookes tube, which was pivotal in the field of electron research. Later, investigated the properties of radioactivity and was involved in the study of psychic phenomena.

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William Crowther

Dutch-Australian politician, Tasmania Premier
Born
April 15th, 1817 208 years ago
Died
April 12th, 1885 140 years ago — 67 years old

Born in 1817, a politician served as the 14th Premier of Tasmania. His tenure was marked by significant political activity and the promotion of infrastructure development. Instrumental in the establishment of various public services, he contributed to shaping the region's governance. After serving as Premier, continued to have a presence in Tasmanian politics, influencing local governance through subsequent roles and initiatives.

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