All the People

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

William Heard Kilpatrick

American pedagogue, educational theorist
Born
November 20th, 1871 153 years ago
Died
1965 60 years ago — 94 years old

A prominent educator and theorist, contributed significantly to progressive education in the United States. Served as a professor at Teachers College, Columbia University, where engaged in developing and promoting active learning methodologies. Authored influential texts on education, particularly emphasizing the role of experience in learning. Played a crucial role in shaping modern educational practices through the advocacy of project-based learning and experiential education. Worked with various educational organizations to implement progressive education principles across schools.

Continue Reading

William Heberden

Physician and scholar, established cardiology
Born
1710 315 years ago
Died
May 17th, 1801 224 years ago — 91 years old

Contributed significantly to the field of medicine, especially in cardiology. Described angina pectoris and distinguished it from other heart-related conditions. Authored 'Commentaries on the History and Cure of Diseases', a seminal work in clinical medicine. Served as a physician to the Royal Family and held membership in the Royal Society, reflecting a respected academic career.

Continue Reading

William Hedley

English engineer and inventor of locomotives
Born
1773 252 years ago
Died
January 9th, 1843 182 years ago — 70 years old

An English engineer, significant contributions were made to railway technology. Innovated the design of steam locomotives, particularly the development of the Puffing Billy in 1813. This locomotive became one of the earliest operating prototypes and influenced railway design in the early 19th century. Worked on the Wylam Dilly, an early coal wagon locomotive, which marked advancements in locomotive engineering. Hedley's work laid foundational principles for modern railway systems.

Continue Reading

William Heinesen

Faroese author and poet
Born
1900 125 years ago
Died
March 12th, 1991 34 years ago — 91 years old

A prominent figure in Faroese literature, contributed significantly through poetry and prose. His works often reflected the landscape and cultural life of the Faroe Islands. Published several novels and collections of poetry, garnering respect in both national and international literary circles. Served in various roles during World War II and contributed to the cultural life of the Faroe Islands post-war through writings that captured the essence of island life.

Continue Reading

William Henry Barlow

English civil engineer and designer
Born
May 10th, 1812 213 years ago
Died
November 12th, 1902 123 years ago — 90 years old

An English engineer primarily engaged in railway construction and design. Worked on notable projects including the design of the original Blackfriars Bridge in London. Contributed significantly to the development of railway infrastructure in the United Kingdom. Served as the chief engineer for various railway companies, overseeing the construction of critical lines and bridges. Innovated in the field of engineering, particularly in the use of wrought iron and steel in bridge construction.

Continue Reading

William Henry Bragg

Physicist, chemist, Nobel Prize winner
Born
July 2nd, 1862 163 years ago
Died
March 12th, 1942 83 years ago — 79 years old

Significant contributions were made to the field of X-ray crystallography. Developed Bragg's Law alongside his son, which describes the relationship between the angles of incident and diffractedX-rays. This work laid the foundation for the analysis of crystal structures. Received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1915 for his work in this area. Served as a professor at the University of Leeds and later at the Royal Institute of Great Britain, where advancements in physics and chemistry were fostered.

Continue Reading

William Henry Davies

Welsh poet and writer of 'The Autobiography'
Born
July 3rd, 1871 154 years ago
Died
1940 85 years ago — 69 years old

Born in Wales in 1871, this poet and writer became recognized for his vivid depictions of nature and his examinations of the human condition. After a troubled childhood and a series of odd jobs, he found solace in writing poetry. Davies published several collections, with 'The Autobiography of a Super-Tramp' receiving particular acclaim. The work chronicles his experiences as a wanderer and his reflections on society. His poetry often combined themes of nature and personal experience, displaying a deep appreciation for the world around him. Throughout his career, he contributed to various literary magazines and continued to write until his death in 1940.

Continue Reading

William Henry Harrison

9th President of the United States
Born
February 9th, 1773 252 years ago
Died
April 4th, 1841 184 years ago — 68 years old

Served as the 9th President of the United States from March to April 1841. Prior to his presidency, held the position of Governor of the Indiana Territory and gained national prominence as a military leader during the War of 1812. Led American forces to victory in the Battle of Tippecanoe in 1811 and the Battle of the Thames in 1813, which contributed to his reputation as a military hero.

Continue Reading

William Henry Jackson

Painter and photographer of Western landscapes
Born
April 4th, 1843 182 years ago
Died
1942 83 years ago — 99 years old

Born in April 1843, this American artist became a key figure in the visual documentation of the American West. Initially trained as a painter, he transitioned to photography, capturing significant landscapes and geological sites. His work provided imagery for surveys conducted during the Westward expansion. Jackson's photographs played a crucial role in introducing the natural beauty of the West to a wider audience. Notably, he was a prominent contributor to the Hayden Geological Survey in the 1870s, where many of his photographs were used to promote the establishment of national parks, including Yellowstone. His artistic endeavors significantly influenced both the art world and public perception of the American wilderness.

Continue Reading

William Henry Keeler

American cardinal and church leader
Born
March 4th, 1931 94 years ago
Died
2017 8 years ago — 86 years old

Served as a cardinal in the Roman Catholic Church and held several prominent roles within the Church. Appointed as the Archbishop of Baltimore, played a key role in the administration and direction of the Archdiocese. Participated in significant ecclesiastical matters and contributed to the advancement of the Catholic faith within the community. Involved in dialogue and connections with other religious and community leaders.

Continue Reading

William Henry Monk

English organist and composer
Born
March 16th, 1823 202 years ago
Died
March 1st, 1889 136 years ago — 65 years old

An English organist and composer, contributions include hymns and sacred music. Served as an organist at various churches and became renowned for excellent musical compositions. Monk played a pivotal role in the development of hymnody in the 19th century, shaping congregational singing practices. His works continue to be sung in many churches today.

Continue Reading

William Henry Ogilvie

Scottish-Australian poet and author
Born
August 21st, 1869 156 years ago
Died
1963 62 years ago — 94 years old

Born in Scotland and later moving to Australia, this poet made significant contributions to Australian literature. Known for capturing the essence of the Australian landscape and experience, poetry collections reflect themes of nature and rural life. Ogilvie's works appeared in various literary journals, earning recognition during his lifetime. His writing style blended romanticism with a keen observation of the Australian environment, resonating with readers and influencing contemporaries.

Continue Reading