Catherine Vasa
Swedish princess and queen consort
Born
1539
487 years ago
Died
Category
Leaders & Politicians
Country
Sweden
Links & References
Born into Swedish nobility, served as the wife of King Sigismund III Vasa of Poland. Played a significant role in the political landscape of the time through her connections and influence. Actively participated in court life and supported her husband's claim to the Swedish crown. Her marriage linked the Swedish and Polish thrones, impacting relations between the two kingdoms. After the death of Sigismund, her presence continued to influence the royal court.
Married Sigismund III Vasa
Linked Swedish and Polish thrones
Other People Who Died on December 21st
Frank B. Kellogg
U.S. Secretary of State, Nobel laureate
Born
December 22nd, 1856 169 years ago
Died
December 21st, 1937 88 years ago — 80 years old
American lawyer and politician served as the 45th United States Secretary of State. Played a significant role in international diplomacy and contributed to the negotiation of the Kellogg-Briand Pact in 1928, which aimed to eliminate war as a tool of national policy. This work led to the Nobel Peace Prize in 1929. Held various public offices throughout a long career, including serving as a U.S. senator from Minnesota and as the U.S. Ambassador to Great Britain.
Continue ReadingViolette Neatley Anderson
American judge and legal pioneer
Born
July 16th, 1882 143 years ago
Died
December 21st, 1937 88 years ago — 55 years old
First African American woman to practice law in Illinois. Served as a judge in the Circuit Court of Cook County. Advocated for civil rights and women's issues throughout her career, contributing to significant legal advancements. Established a legal practice that focused on serving underrepresented communities. Instrumental in breaking barriers for women and people of color in the legal profession.
Continue ReadingFrancis Garnier
French captain and explorer of Asia
Born
July 25th, 1839 186 years ago
Died
December 21st, 1873 152 years ago — 34 years old
Born in 1839, a French captain and explorer, undertook significant exploratory missions in Southeast Asia. Led expeditions along the Mekong River, documenting geography and indigenous cultures. Participated in military actions in the Second French Empire's colonial campaigns. Contributed to cartography and geographic knowledge of the region, providing valuable insights during a period of colonial expansion. Met his end in 1873 during a military engagement in Tonkin, leaving a legacy as a prominent figure in French exploration.
Continue ReadingClaude Champagne
Canadian composer and violinist
Born
May 27th, 1891 134 years ago
Died
December 21st, 1965 60 years ago — 74 years old
Born in 1891, this individual was a prominent Canadian composer, violinist, and pianist. He studied at the Conservatoire de Paris and became instrumental in the development of Canadian classical music. The composition style blended French influences with Canadian themes. Contributions to music included innovative works that showcased Canadian cultural elements. Champagne held academic positions, teaching composition and music theory at various institutions. His work extended to the realm of arranging, with a focus on traditional Quebecois music. The legacy includes numerous compositions for orchestra, chamber ensembles, and solo instruments.
Continue ReadingJohn Newton
English priest and hymn writer
Born
July 24th, 1725 300 years ago
Died
December 21st, 1807 218 years ago — 82 years old
Served as a sailor in the slave trade before converting to Christianity and becoming an Anglican priest. Authored the hymn 'Amazing Grace' which remains popular in Christian worship. Played a significant role in the abolitionist movement in Britain, advocating against slavery and sharing personal experiences to highlight its moral implications. Newton spent years emphasizing reconciliation and forgiveness through his ministry, influencing many with his teachings.
Continue ReadingMichelle Botes
South African actress in television drama
Born
October 12th, 1962 63 years ago
Died
December 21st, 2024 1 years ago — 62 years old
Botes began a career in acting in the 1980s and gained recognition for the role of Gladys in the long-running South African soap opera, 'Egoli: Place of Gold'. The portrayal contributed to the show's popularity and Botes became a household name in South Africa. In addition to her work on 'Egoli', she appeared in various stage productions and television series, showcasing her range as an actress. Botes has also participated in several local films and television projects, further establishing her presence in the South African entertainment industry.
Continue Reading