Chester A. Arthur

21st President of the United States

Chester A. Arthur - 21st President of the United States
Born

October 5th, 1829
196 years ago

Died

November 18th, 1886
138 years ago — 57 years old

Category

Leaders & Politicians

Country

United States

Links & References

Served as the 21st President of the United States from 1881 to 1885. Became president following the assassination of James A. Garfield. Prior to the presidency, held the position of Collector of the Port of New York. Advocated for civil service reform and the Pendleton Act, which established a merit-based system for federal employment. Implemented modernization of the U.S. Navy and supported legislation to improve infrastructure in the country.

Advocated for civil service reform

Signed the Pendleton Act into law

Modernized the U.S. Navy

Other People Born on October 5th

Mario Lemieux

Ice Hockey Player and Pittsburgh Penguins Owner
Born
October 5th, 1965 60 years ago

This Canadian ice hockey player played the majority of his career with the Pittsburgh Penguins in the National Hockey League (NHL). Debuted in 1984 and rapidly established himself as one of the league's elite players. Achieved high individual honors, including two Hart Trophies, awarded to the league's Most Valuable Player. Led the Penguins to two Stanley Cup championships in 1991 and 1992. After retiring as a player in 1997, returned to the sport as the owner and chairman of the Penguins, guiding the franchise to further successes.

Continue Reading

Peadar Toner Mac Fhionnlaoich

Irish author and playwright of notable works
Born
October 5th, 1857 168 years ago
Died
July 1st, 1942 83 years ago — 84 years old

An Irish author and playwright, contributed significantly to literature and drama in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Wrote several plays and works that reflected the cultural and social issues of the time. Active in literary circles and collaborated with other writers and artists in Ireland. Engaged with themes of identity and national consciousness in the works.

Continue Reading

Bahar Kızıl

German singer-songwriter and musician
Born
October 5th, 1988 37 years ago

Born in Germany in 1988, this artist gained recognition as a singer-songwriter, blending pop and rock influences in her music. She rose to fame as a member of the girl band Monrose, formed through a talent show. The group achieved commercial success with several chart-topping singles and albums. After their disbandment, she pursued a solo career, releasing multiple singles that showcased her vocal talents and songwriting skills. In addition to her music career, she has participated in various television projects, further increasing her visibility in the entertainment industry.

Continue Reading

Zhang Zhen

Chinese general and politician
Born
October 5th, 1914 111 years ago
Died
September 3rd, 2015 10 years ago — 100 years old

Served as a general in the People's Liberation Army and played significant roles in the military and political landscape of China. Held various important positions within the Chinese Communist Party, contributing to the development of military strategies and regional governance. Engaged in key operations during the Chinese Civil War and worked to consolidate power in the early years of the People's Republic of China. Later took on responsibilities that included leadership in military commissions and regional governance.

Continue Reading

Philipp Mainländer

German philosopher of pessimism
Born
October 5th, 1841 184 years ago
Died
1876 149 years ago — 35 years old

A philosopher developed a systematic philosophy based on pessimism and the conceptualization of the will to live. Influenced by Schopenhauer, emphasized that existence entails suffering and advocated for the idea of life as a struggle against extinction. Wrote major works detailing these views, including 'Die Philosophie der Erlösung', which explores the idea of salvation through the cessation of existence. Resided in Germany during the 19th century and contributed to philosophical discourse on the nature of being and despair.

Continue Reading

Steve Miller

Singer-songwriter and guitarist, 'The Joker'
Born
October 5th, 1943 82 years ago

An American singer-songwriter and guitarist started a music career in the 1960s. Founded the Steve Miller Band, which rose to prominence during the 1970s. The band achieved commercial success with multiple hit songs and albums. 'The Joker' became a defining song of the era, showcasing a blend of rock and blues. Released several successful albums including 'Fly Like an Eagle' and 'Book of Dreams'. The music was characterized by catchy melodies and distinct guitar work, contributing to the classic rock genre. The band continues to tour and perform, maintaining a significant presence in the music industry.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on November 18th

Miklós Zrínyi

Croatian military commander and poet
Born
January 5th, 1620 405 years ago
Died
November 18th, 1664 360 years ago — 44 years old

Born in 1620, a prominent military commander in the Habsburg Empire and a member of the Zrínyi family. Fought against the Ottoman Empire during the Long Turkish War. Led significant military campaigns, contributing to the defense of the empire's territories. Also achieved recognition as a poet, with works that expressed themes of heroism and patriotism. Died in 1664 during a military engagement against the Ottomans.

Continue Reading

Renée Vivien

English-French poet and author of poetry
Born
June 11th, 1877 148 years ago
Died
November 18th, 1909 115 years ago — 32 years old

Born in 1877, this poet and author became a key figure in the Symbolist movement in literature. Raised in England but later residing in France, she produced numerous works that often explored themes of love, loss, and beauty. Her unique style and voice, characterized by emotional depth and vivid imagery, resonated with contemporary audiences. Collections such as 'The Flower beneath the Snow' gained recognition. Vivien contributed significantly to the literary culture of early 20th-century Paris, making connections with other prominent literary figures of the time. Despite facing challenges in her personal life, her work continues to be studied and appreciated for its artistic merit.

Continue Reading

Paul Éluard

French poet and Surrealist movement figure
Born
December 14th, 1895 129 years ago
Died
November 18th, 1952 72 years ago — 56 years old

Born in 1895, this poet became one of the founders of the Surrealist movement in literature. His works often explored themes of love and freedom, and he was a significant presence in the literary scene during the early to mid-20th century. Many of his poems reflect personal experiences, particularly during and after World War I. Éluard published numerous collections, with some of the most notable including 'Capitale de la douleur' and 'Les Uns et les Autres.' His writings not only contributed to the Surrealist literary landscape but also influenced subsequent generations of poets and writers in France and beyond.

Continue Reading

Joseph P. Kennedy Sr.

Businessman and U.S. Ambassador
Born
September 6th, 1888 137 years ago
Died
November 18th, 1969 55 years ago — 81 years old

Businessman and diplomat served as the 44th United States Ambassador to the United Kingdom from 1938 to 1940. Played a significant role in various business ventures, including banking and film production. Led the family investment in a major film studio and played a pivotal role in establishing strategies that influenced markets. Involved in political affairs, contributing to the Democratic Party and aiding in the campaigns of family members.

Continue Reading

Denton Cooley

Cardiothoracic surgeon and innovator
Born
August 22nd, 1920 105 years ago
Died
November 18th, 2016 8 years ago — 96 years old

A prominent cardiothoracic surgeon and scientist, contributions to heart surgery and medical education included pioneering techniques and procedures. Established one of the first artificial hearts and performed the first successful heart transplant in the United States. Founded the Texas Heart Institute in Houston, focusing on cardiovascular diseases and education in surgical techniques in the field.

Continue Reading

Abdelhamid Abaaoud

Terrorist linked to Paris attacks
Born
1987 38 years ago
Died
November 18th, 2015 9 years ago — 28 years old

Involvement in planning and executing the November 2015 Paris attacks marked a significant act of terrorism in Europe. As a key figure in the Islamic State's operations in Europe, orchestrated attacks that resulted in widespread casualties, showcasing a high level of organization and terror tactics. Abaaoud was killed in a police raid in Saint-Denis, France, shortly after the attacks, which were among the deadliest in modern French history. His background included connections to radical networks and a return to Europe after fighting in Syria.

Continue Reading