Christopher Latham Sholes

American politician and typewriter inventor

Christopher Latham Sholes - American politician and typewriter inventor
Born

February 14th, 1819
206 years ago

Died

February 17th, 1890
135 years ago — 71 years old

Category

Scientists & Innovators

Country

United States

Links & References

An influential figure in American publishing, contributed to the development of the typewriter. Served as a politician in the Wisconsin State Legislature. Developed a practical version of the modern typewriter, which led to widespread use in offices and homes. The QWERTY keyboard layout, designed to reduce jamming in early typewriters, was established through this innovation. Efforts in publishing included founding the first newspaper in Wisconsin.

Invented the QWERTY keyboard layout

Developed the first commercially successful typewriter

Served in the Wisconsin State Legislature

Other People Born on February 14th

Max Horkheimer

German philosopher, sociologist, and theorist
Born
February 14th, 1895 130 years ago
Died
July 7th, 1973 51 years ago — 78 years old

Born in 1895, this philosopher and sociologist contributed significantly to critical theory and the Frankfurt School. His work in social philosophy emphasized the interrelationship between society and culture. Co-authored the influential book 'Dialectic of Enlightenment' in 1944, which critiqued modernity and rationality. Served as the director of the Institute for Social Research and engaged in various intellectual debates on totalitarianism and individual freedom.

Continue Reading

Valentine Greatrakes

Irish faith healer and renowned figure
Born
February 14th, 1628 397 years ago
Died
1683 342 years ago — 55 years old

Born in Ireland in 1628, Greatrakes gained recognition as a faith healer during the 17th century. He attracted significant attention for his purported ability to cure various ailments through the laying on of hands. His sessions often included large gatherings where individuals sought relief from numerous physical and mental disorders. Greatrakes' practices were rooted in the belief that divine intervention played a crucial role in healing. His work sparked both support and skepticism, reflecting the tensions between science and faith during this period. He eventually gained a following and recorded many of his treatments and encounters with patients, contributing to the understanding of supernatural healing within the context of medical practices of the time.

Continue Reading

Herbert A. Hauptman

Mathematician, Nobel Prize winner
Born
February 14th, 1917 108 years ago
Died
October 23rd, 2011 13 years ago — 94 years old

Contributed to the field of mathematics with significant work in the area of computational methods for crystallography. Hauptman co-developed an innovative mathematical framework facilitating the determination of crystal structures from X-ray diffraction data. His research provided vital tools for understanding molecular structures, which had broad implications for chemistry and biology. Served as a professor at the State University of New York at Buffalo and became a leading figure in mathematical sciences.

Continue Reading

Chris Babb

Basketball player, Iowa State Cyclones
Born
February 14th, 1990 35 years ago

Born in 1990, a basketball player excelled at Iowa State University. Played for the Iowa State Cyclones during college, showcasing skills as a guard. After college, transitioned to professional basketball and played for various teams in the NBA Development League, contributing to team strategies and performance. His career included stints with teams such as the Maine Red Claws and the Canton Charge. Babb's collegiate performance earned him recognition and opportunities in professional basketball.

Continue Reading

Byron Mullens

Basketball player, Charlotte Bobcats center
Born
February 14th, 1989 36 years ago

A basketball player participated in the NBA from 2011 to 2014. Played as a center and spent time with the Charlotte Bobcats, where significant contributions to the team's roster occurred. Competed in college basketball at the University of Ohio before declaring for the NBA draft. Selected in the second round of the 2011 draft, had stints with several teams and showcased skills as a scorer and rebounder.

Continue Reading

Michael Costa

Conductor and composer of operas
Born
February 14th, 1808 217 years ago
Died
1884 141 years ago — 76 years old

Born in February 1808, a conductor and composer gained prominence in the 19th century, notable for significant contributions to the English choral tradition. He served as the principal conductor of the Birmingham Festival and was influential in the development of choral music in England. He composed several operas, with 'The Maid of Artois' being one of the most recognized. Additionally, he was involved in the establishment of the London Sacred Harmonic Society, which aimed to advance choral performances in England. His works reflected the cultural landscape of his time, bridging Italian and English musical traditions.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on February 17th

Karpoori Thakur

Indian politician, 11th Chief Minister of Bihar
Born
January 24th, 1924 101 years ago
Died
February 17th, 1988 37 years ago — 64 years old

An educator and politician, served as the 11th Chief Minister of Bihar in India. Held office twice, first from 1970 to 1971 and again from 1977 to 1978. Instrumental in implementing policies aimed at social justice and educational reforms. Advocated for the rights of backward classes and worked toward improving their access to education and job opportunities.

Continue Reading

John M. Allegro

English archaeologist and biblical scholar
Born
1923 102 years ago
Died
February 17th, 1988 37 years ago — 65 years old

An archaeologist and biblical scholar focused on the Dead Sea Scrolls. Played a significant role in the translation and interpretation of the scrolls, contributing to the understanding of early Jewish and Christian texts. Contributed to various academic discussions regarding ancient religion and its cultural impacts. Published numerous works exploring the intersection of archaeology and scripture.

Continue Reading

Michael Novak

Theologian and author of 'The Spirit of Democratic Capitalism'
Born
1933 92 years ago
Died
February 17th, 2017 8 years ago — 84 years old

An American Roman Catholic theologian and philosopher who contributed significantly to discussions on capitalism, democracy, and moral philosophy. Authored several influential books, with 'The Spirit of Democratic Capitalism' being one of the most prominent. Engaged in public dialogue about the interplay between faith and politics, and served as a member of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom. Novak also held academic positions, including at the American Enterprise Institute and the Catholic University of America, focusing on theology and ethics.

Continue Reading

Jovian

Roman Emperor during 363-364 AD
Died
February 17th, 364 1661 years ago — None years old

Became Emperor of Rome in 363 after the death of Julian during the Persian campaign. Notable for negotiating a peace treaty with the Persian Empire, which ended hostilities and allowed Roman troops to retreat safely. His reign was brief, lasting only eight months until death in 364. Before becoming emperor, served as a military officer and was a trusted advisor to Julian.

Continue Reading

Jean-Marc Boivin

Mountaineer and extreme sports pioneer
Born
April 6th, 1951 74 years ago
Died
February 17th, 1990 35 years ago — 38 years old

A French mountaineer, skier, and pilot, contributed significantly to the world of extreme sports. Excelled in various disciplines including ski mountaineering, and became the first person to ski down the north face of the Annapurna in Nepal. Developed a reputation as an innovator in aerial sports, especially through the use of paragliding and various skiing techniques. Traveled around the globe to participate in challenging expeditions, showcasing remarkable skills in extreme environments. Passed away during an expedition in 1990, leaving behind a legacy in the mountaineering community.

Continue Reading

Edgar Evans

Welsh explorer and noted Antarctic sailor
Born
1876 149 years ago
Died
February 17th, 1912 113 years ago — 36 years old

A Welsh sailor and explorer, significant contributions included participation in the early 20th-century Antarctic expeditions. Played a key role in Robert Falcon Scott's Terra Nova Expedition from 1910 to 1913. The expedition aimed to reach the South Pole and was notable for its scientific investigations and exploration of previously uncharted territory. The journey encountered extreme conditions, leading to a tragic ending for the team in 1912 when they perished while returning from the pole. The expedition's story remains a critical account of early polar exploration.

Continue Reading