Antonin Scalia
Supreme Court Justice
Served as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States from 1986 until death in 2016. Appointed by President Ronald Reagan, Scalia was a significant figure on the Court known for his originalist interpretations of the Constitution. He frequently engaged in public debates about judicial philosophy and the role of the judiciary. Scalia authored numerous opinions, influencing various landmark cases during his tenure. His judicial approach often sparked discussions and controversies regarding constitutional interpretation and the limits of governmental power.
Authored the majority opinion in District of Columbia v. Heller
Contributed to the dissent in Obergefell v. Hodges
Played a key role in establishing originalism as a judicial philosophy
Other People Born on March 11th
Nigel Lawson
Chancellor of the Exchequer
Born
March 11th, 1932 93 years ago
Died
2023 2 years ago — 91 years old
Served as Chancellor of the Exchequer from 1983 to 1989 under Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, overseeing significant economic reforms in the UK. Played a key role in implementing policies that included tax reductions and deregulation of the economy. Resigned from the position amid rising economic challenges, including high inflation and the looming economic crisis of the early 1990s. After his political career, became an influential journalist and authored several books on economics and politics.
Continue ReadingWolf-Dietrich Wilcke
German colonel and pilot in WWII
Born
March 11th, 1913 112 years ago
Died
1944 81 years ago — 31 years old
A German colonel and pilot served during World War II. Participated in aerial operations, gaining recognition for flying combat missions. Achieved the rank of colonel and was awarded the Knights Cross for bravery in action. Demonstrated skills in air combat and leadership throughout military service.
Continue ReadingDidier Drogba
Ivorian footballer, Chelsea FC striker
Born
March 11th, 1978 47 years ago
Born in Ivory Coast, a professional footballer played primarily as a striker. Achieved significant success with Chelsea FC, where a prolific scoring record and leadership on the field were evident. Contributed to the team's victories in multiple Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League. After leaving Chelsea, played for several clubs, including Galatasaray. Also had a successful international career representing the Ivory Coast, participating in multiple Africa Cup of Nations and FIFA World Cup tournaments.
Continue ReadingJim McMillian
Basketball player, NBA champion
Born
March 11th, 1948 77 years ago
Died
2016 9 years ago — 68 years old
A professional basketball player, played the majority of his career in the NBA during the 1970s and early 1980s. Contributed significantly to several teams, mainly the Los Angeles Lakers. Achieved notable success by winning an NBA championship in 1972. Prior to his professional career, excelled in college basketball at Columbia University, where he gained recognition for his scoring ability and overall gameplay.
Continue ReadingJackie McGlew
Cricketer and South African Test player
Born
March 11th, 1929 96 years ago
Died
1998 27 years ago — 69 years old
A noted cricketer from South Africa, notable for contributions to the national team during the 1950s. Played as a left-handed batsman and also made a mark as a right-arm medium pace bowler. Made his Test debut against England in 1955 and represented South Africa in 24 Test matches. Achieved highest Test score of 211 against England in 1958, contributing significantly to the team's performance. Served as the captain of the national team in various series and played for provincial teams, including Western Province. Instrumental in the development of cricket in South Africa during a crucial era.
Continue ReadingGary Barnett
English footballer and manager
Born
March 11th, 1963 62 years ago
Played as a professional footballer in the English leagues and later transitioned into management. As a defender, contributed significantly to teams such as Brighton & Hove Albion and Nottingham Forest. Managed several clubs throughout his career, focusing on developing players and achieving team success in various leagues.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on February 13th
George Rogers Clark
American general and military leader
Born
November 19th, 1752 273 years ago
Died
February 13th, 1818 207 years ago — 65 years old
An American general played a crucial role in the American Revolutionary War. Commanded troops during the Illinois Campaign, capturing British forts at Kaskaskia and Cahokia. Led the successful surprise attack on Fort Vincennes in 1779, which significantly weakened British control in the Northwest Territory. Later appointed as the commander of the United States Army in the Western Department, helping secure American interests in the region during the post-war period.
Continue ReadingRoger Joseph Boscovich
Physicist and philosopher of science
Born
May 18th, 1711 314 years ago
Died
February 13th, 1787 238 years ago — 75 years old
Contributed significantly to the fields of physics, astronomy, and mathematics during the 18th century. Developed a coherent atomic theory integrating various scientific disciplines. Formulated Boscovich's theory of forces, which described the interactions between particles. Engaged in extensive work on celestial mechanics and was involved in the construction of the first observatory in Croatia. Also contributed to the study of the Earth's curvature and geodesy. Authored numerous works that combined philosophy and science, leaving a legacy in both disciplines.
Continue ReadingJohann Caspar Kerll
German organist and composer of works
Born
April 9th, 1627 398 years ago
Died
February 13th, 1693 332 years ago — 65 years old
An organist and composer, contributions spanned sacred and instrumental music during the Baroque period. Worked in various capacities throughout Europe, particularly in Germany and Austria. Composed numerous works for the organ, as well as vocal and choral music, influencing the development of German music. Held positions at several churches and served as a court composer in various locations.
Continue ReadingJean-Baptiste Lamy
French-American archbishop of Santa Fe
Born
October 11th, 1814 211 years ago
Died
February 13th, 1888 137 years ago — 73 years old
Served as the first archbishop of Santa Fe, establishing the Archdiocese of Santa Fe in 1850. Focused on the spiritual and administrative organization of the Catholic Church in the New Mexico territory. Promoted education by founding schools and churches, contributing to the growth of the Catholic community in the region. Advocated for the rights of Native Americans and Hispanic populations, working to integrate their concerns into Church matters. Worked in the United States predominantly after being a religious leader in France.
Continue ReadingHenrik Steffens
Philosopher and poet of German Romanticism
Born
May 2nd, 1773 252 years ago
Died
February 13th, 1845 180 years ago — 71 years old
Born in Norway, this philosopher and poet contributed significantly to German Romanticism. He studied at the University of Göttingen, where he developed his ideas around nature and the soul. His poetic works blended philosophical inquiry with literary expression. He held a professorship at the University of Berlin and delivered influential lectures that attracted many students and intellectuals of his time. He was involved in the circle of prominent figures in the Romantic movement and exchanged ideas with renowned contemporaries. His thoughts on nature and interconnectedness resonated widely within philosophical circles. He passed away in Berlin, leaving a legacy in both philosophy and poetry.
Continue ReadingElizabeth Jolley
Author and academic with literary acclaim
Born
June 4th, 1923 102 years ago
Died
February 13th, 2007 18 years ago — 83 years old
An English-Australian author and academic, she contributed significantly to contemporary literature. Writing across various genres, her works often explored themes of isolation, love, and familial relations. The depth of her narratives and character development established her as a prominent voice in Australian literature. Several of her novels received critical acclaim and multiple awards, while she also lectured in creative writing at universities in Australia. Her body of work continues to resonate with readers and scholars.
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