All the People

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

William C. Schneider

Aerospace engineer and inventor
Born
December 24th, 1923 101 years ago
Died
December 24th, 1999 25 years ago — 76 years old

An aerospace engineer contributed significantly to the development of various aircraft and space systems. Played a key role in the design and implementation of advanced aerospace technologies. Engaged in numerous projects that advanced national defense capabilities and improved commercial aviation. Actively participated in research initiatives and collaborated with multiple organizations to enhance understanding of aerodynamics and propulsion systems.

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William Cullen

Physician and chemist known for clinical thermometry
Born
April 15th, 1710 315 years ago
Died
February 5th, 1790 235 years ago — 79 years old

Contributed significantly to the fields of medicine and chemistry in the 18th century. Developed a systematic approach to clinical observation and introduced methods for measuring body temperature. Established the first medical school at the University of Edinburgh, which became a model for medical education. Published influential works, including 'First Lines of the Practice of Physic', which detailed clinical treatments. His teachings influenced a generation of physicians.

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William Cullen Bryant

American poet and journalist, author of "Thanatopsis"
Born
November 3rd, 1794 231 years ago
Died
1878 147 years ago — 84 years old

Born in 1794, a prominent American poet, journalist, and editor. Early writing included a collection of poetry that gained recognition. Bryant's most famous poem, 'Thanatopsis,' explores themes of nature and death, reflecting the transcendentalist movement. He also played a significant role in shaping American journalism, serving as the editor of the New York Evening Post for nearly fifty years. His editorial work advocated for social and political reforms, including anti-slavery efforts.

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William Cushing

American lawyer and Supreme Court judge
Born
March 1st, 1732 293 years ago
Died
1810 215 years ago — 78 years old

A prominent figure in early American jurisprudence, served as a judge and became the first Associate Justice of the Supreme Court appointed by George Washington. Contributed to the establishment of the federal judiciary and interpreted pivotal cases. Played a significant role in shaping legal principles in the formative years of the United States.

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William C. White

Seventh-day Adventist Church minister
Born
August 29th, 1854 171 years ago
Died
1937 88 years ago — 83 years old

A prominent leader within the Seventh-day Adventist Church and son of its co-founder, played a significant role in the church's establishment and development. Served as the first president of the Pacific Union Conference. Contributed to the Adventist Review as an editor and published numerous works promoting the church's mission. Active in various capacities within church administration and education.

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William Dalrymple

Historian and author of Indian history
Born
March 20th, 1965 60 years ago

A Scottish historian and author, wrote extensively on the history and culture of India. Studied at the University of Cambridge, focusing on Indian history during the Mughal era. Authored several influential books, including 'City of Djinns' and 'The Last Mughal'. His works often combine personal narrative with historical analysis, offering insights into the Indian subcontinent's past. Contributed articles to prominent publications, including The New York Times and The Guardian. Held several lectures and talks expanding the discourse around colonialism and its legacy.

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William Dampier

English explorer and naturalist
Born
September 5th, 1651 374 years ago
Died
1715 310 years ago — 64 years old

An explorer and naturalist, significant for voyages across the Pacific and Australian coasts. First to circumnavigate the globe three times, contributing to navigation and natural history documentation. Worked as a privateer, capturing Spanish ships during the late 17th century. His writings include detailed observations on geology, botany, and anthropology, and established himself as a pioneer of the field of ethnography.

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William Daniel Phillips

Physicist, Nobel Prize winner in Physics
Born
November 5th, 1948 77 years ago

An American physicist, contributed extensively to the field of laser cooling and quantum electronics. Led research that demonstrated laser cooling of atoms, which has been fundamental in advancing atomic physics and has implications for quantum computing and precision measurements. Held academic positions at various institutions, influencing the next generation of scientists. Received multiple honors for contributions to physics, including the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1997 for work in this area.

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William Daniels

American actor in 'Boy Meets World'
Born
March 31st, 1927 98 years ago

An American actor born in 1927, this individual gained recognition for his role as George Feeny in the television series 'Boy Meets World' and its sequel, 'Girl Meets World'. With a career spanning several decades, involvement in theater and voice acting also marked this individual's contributions, particularly voicing KITT in the popular television series 'Knight Rider'. The versatility in performance included both dramatic and comedic roles across various media, showcasing a robust talent in acting.

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William d'Aubigny

1st Earl of Arundel, English politician
Born
1109 916 years ago
Died
October 12th, 1176 849 years ago — 67 years old

Served as the 1st Earl of Arundel and played a significant role in the political landscape of 12th century England. Actively participated in the affairs of the kingdom during the reign of King Henry II. Engaged in various military campaigns and held important administrative positions. Contributed to the governance of the realm through loyalty to the crown and involvement in local politics.

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William Davenant

English poet and playwright, The Siege of Rhodes
Born
1606 419 years ago
Died
April 7th, 1668 357 years ago — 62 years old

An English poet and playwright, contributions included the introduction of operatic elements to English theatre. Davenant served as Poet Laureate under Charles II. His works included adaptations of Shakespeare's plays and original writings, with 'The Siege of Rhodes' recognized as one of the first English operas. In 1660, Davenant played a significant role in the rebuilding of the London theatre scene after the English Civil War, establishing the Duke's Company.

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William David Ross

Scottish philosopher, author of 'The Right and the Good'
Born
April 15th, 1877 148 years ago
Died
1971 54 years ago — 94 years old

Contributed significantly to moral philosophy and ethics. Developed the idea of prima facie duties, addressing obligations humans have toward each other. Held academic positions at several universities including Edinburgh and Oxford. Authored pivotal works such as 'The Right and the Good' which detailed his ethical framework and influenced subsequent moral theorists. Engaged in discussions about the nature of obligation and the complexities of moral reasoning.

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