Cornelius Vanderbilt

Business magnate and philanthropist

Cornelius Vanderbilt - Business magnate and philanthropist
Born

May 27th, 1794
230 years ago

Died

January 4th, 1877
148 years ago — 82 years old

Category

Leaders & Politicians

Country

United States

Links & References

A prominent American businessman, he made significant contributions to the shipping and railroad industries during the 19th century. Starting with a ferry service, amassed wealth through shipping by the time of the Civil War. Expanded into railroads, acquiring and consolidating lines, ultimately creating one of the largest railroad networks in the United States. Established the Vanderbilt University in Tennessee through philanthropy, leaving a lasting legacy in education.

Founded the New York Central Railroad

Built a shipping empire with a fleet of ships

Established Vanderbilt University

Other People Born on May 27th

Samuel F. Miller

American politician, Supreme Court Justice
Born
May 27th, 1827 197 years ago
Died
March 16th, 1892 132 years ago — 64 years old

Served as an Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court from 1862 until death in 1892. Contributed to significant rulings during the Reconstruction Era. Prior to the Supreme Court position, held various political roles in Iowa, influencing state governance. Played a central role in the legal establishment of the United States' legal framework during a transformative period in American history.

Continue Reading

Nitin Gadkari

Indian politician and Minister of Transport
Born
May 27th, 1957 67 years ago

An influential figure in Indian politics with a background in law, served as the Minister of Road Transport and Highways. Focused on infrastructure development and road safety during tenure. Instrumental in implementing policy changes to enhance transportation efficiency in India. Served in various capacities within the Indian government and held several key leadership positions in the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Continue Reading

Martina Sáblíková

Czech speed skater and Olympic champion
Born
May 27th, 1987 37 years ago

Competed primarily in speed skating and cycling, achieving significant success in both sports. In speed skating, secured multiple Olympic medals, including three gold medals in the 3000 meters at the 2006, 2010, and 2014 Winter Olympics. Also won gold in the 5000 meters at the same Olympic events. Excelled in World Championships, with many titles in both individual events and team pursuit. Transitioned to competitive cycling, where achieved success in road cycling events. Set multiple records in speed skating and was recognized as a top athlete in the Czech Republic.

Continue Reading

Manuel Teixeira Gomes

Portuguese politician and President
Born
May 27th, 1860 164 years ago
Died
October 18th, 1941 83 years ago — 81 years old

Elected as the 7th President of Portugal, served from 1923 to 1925. Focused on stabilizing the political landscape marked by turmoil in the early 20th century. Resigned amidst political unrest and left for exile in France, where he continued writing and reflecting on politics. His presidency was defined by efforts to promote democracy and reform the political system.

Continue Reading

Hans Lammers

German judge and politician
Born
May 27th, 1879 145 years ago
Died
1962 63 years ago — 83 years old

Born in 1879, a prominent figure in Germany's political landscape during the 20th century. Served as a judge and held various significant offices within the government, including the role of head of the Reich Chancellery from 1932 to 1945. Was involved in the legal and administrative aspects of the Nazi regime, playing a crucial role in the implementation of its policies. Contributed to the bureaucratic framework that supported the government during a tumultuous period in German history.

Continue Reading

Ingrid Roscoe

English historian and Lord Lieutenant
Born
May 27th, 1944 80 years ago
Died
2020 5 years ago — 76 years old

An English historian and politician served as Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire. Engaged in historical research, focusing on various aspects of English history. Held the position of Lord Lieutenant from 2005, representing the monarchy in the county, and played a role in various ceremonial functions. Contributed to local heritage and community projects and involved in educational initiatives promoting history. Participated in numerous public events, fostering relationships between the crown and the community.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on January 4th

Harold Eugene Edgerton

Engineer and pioneer in high-speed photography
Born
April 6th, 1903 121 years ago
Died
January 4th, 1990 35 years ago — 86 years old

Contributions to the field of electrical engineering included advancements in high-speed photography and stroboscopic lighting. Developed the electronic flash that allowed freezing moments of time in photography, significantly aiding both scientific research and artistic expression. Founded the company Edgerton, Germeshausen, and Grier, which provided innovative solutions in engineering and technology. Served as a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where research included the study of motion in sports and nature.

Continue Reading

Zoran Žižić

Politician, 4th Prime Minister of Yugoslavia
Born
March 4th, 1951 74 years ago
Died
January 4th, 2013 12 years ago — 61 years old

Served as the Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia from 1998 to 2000. Held the position during a challenging political climate in the post-war region. Played a role in navigating the political landscape following the conflict in the Balkans. Was a member of the Democratic Party of Socialists and participated in significant negotiations during his term. After leaving office, continued to engage in politics and public life.

Continue Reading

Ferdinand I of the Two Sicilies

King of the Two Sicilies, Bourbon dynasty
Born
January 12th, 1751 274 years ago
Died
January 4th, 1825 200 years ago — 73 years old

Ascended to the throne in 1759, Ferdinand I ruled the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies until his death in 1825. His reign was marked by efforts to stabilize the kingdom and attempts to balance various political factions. The Bourbon dynasty faced challenges from revolutionary movements during the Napoleonic Wars, leading to temporary exile. Ferdinand returned to power post-Napoleon and worked to restore traditional monarchy while implementing limited reforms. His government focused on economic recovery and rebuilding the royal authority after years of disruption. The kingdom experienced both social unrest and efforts for modernization under his leadership.

Continue Reading

Irving Layton

Canadian poet and university professor
Born
March 12th, 1912 113 years ago
Died
January 4th, 2006 19 years ago — 93 years old

Born in Romania and later emigrating to Canada, contributed significantly to Canadian poetry. Layton's work often addressed themes of love, existentialism, and social justice. He became a prominent figure in Canadian literature, emphasizing free verse and personal expression. Layton held a faculty position at numerous Canadian universities, influencing generations of writers. His poetry collections include 'The Cold Green Element' and 'A Red Carpet for the Sun'. Layton received accolades including the Governor General's Award for Poetry.

Continue Reading

Benito Pérez Galdós

Spanish author and playwright
Born
May 10th, 1843 181 years ago
Died
January 4th, 1920 105 years ago — 76 years old

A prominent Spanish author and playwright, this individual contributed significantly to the literary landscape of Spain during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He wrote numerous novels that explored Spanish society, politics, and culture, often incorporating realistic and naturalistic elements. His notable works include 'Fortunata y Jacinta' and the series 'Episodios Nacionales', which depicted historical events through compelling narratives. Additionally, he made significant contributions to theater with plays such as 'Marianela'. His work is characterized by keen social observation and rich character development.

Continue Reading

Frederick I

Elector of Saxony
Born
March 5th, 1585 440 years ago
Died
January 4th, 1428 597 years ago — -158 years old

An influential ruler during the late medieval period, served as Elector of Saxony. Frederick I was a member of the Wettin dynasty and played a significant role in the administration and governance of the region. His reign contributed to the establishment of Saxony as a notable principality. Actively engaged in regional politics and military endeavors, he maintained alliances with various nobles and other states. His leadership during conflicts of that era helped shape the political landscape of Germany. Frederick I's efforts in centralizing power within Saxony laid the groundwork for future rulers in the territory.

Continue Reading