Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney

American businessman and philanthropist

Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney - American businessman and philanthropist
Born

February 20th, 1899
126 years ago

Died

December 13th, 1992
32 years ago — 93 years old

Category

Leaders & Politicians

Country

United States

Links & References

Businessman and philanthropist contributed to various industries, particularly in media and transportation. Established the Whitney Communications Corporation. Involved in the development of the New York Central Railroad. Founded several companies in the film industry, supporting artistic ventures. Served as a board member of the Metropolitan Opera Association and funded various philanthropic initiatives, especially in arts and education.

Founded Whitney Communications Corporation

Developed New York Central Railroad

Supported the film industry and the arts

Other People Born on February 20th

Hulusi Behçet

Turkish dermatologist and physician
Born
February 20th, 1889 136 years ago
Died
March 8th, 1948 77 years ago — 59 years old

A significant figure in dermatology, developed Behçet's disease as a recognized condition in the 1930s. Conducted extensive research on various skin disorders and contributed to advancements in the field. Served as a professor of dermatology and influenced medical education in Turkey. Engaged in clinical practice while establishing a comprehensive understanding of autoimmune diseases through systematic study.

Continue Reading

Georges Bernanos

French writer and author of "Diary of a Country Priest"
Born
February 20th, 1888 137 years ago
Died
July 5th, 1948 76 years ago — 60 years old

A French author and soldier, contributions include influential novels that explore themes of faith, morality, and the human condition. Published seminal works such as "Diary of a Country Priest" and "The Last Inquisitor," which are significant in 20th-century literature. Bernanos served in World War I, which deeply influenced his writing and philosophical outlook. His literary style combined vivid imagery with deep psychological insight, earning a place among notable French writers of the time. Throughout life, engaged with political issues and expressed strong Catholic beliefs.

Continue Reading

Sidney Poitier

Actor and director, Oscar-winning role
Born
February 20th, 1927 98 years ago
Died
January 6th, 2022 3 years ago — 94 years old

Born in the Bahamas, an impactful figure in American cinema. Starred in films such as 'Lilies of the Field', earning an Academy Award for Best Actor. Other notable works include 'Guess Who's Coming to Dinner', 'To Sir, with Love', and 'The Defiant Ones'. Poitier also directed films including 'Buck and the Preacher' and 'Stir Crazy'. Later served as the Bahamian ambassador to Japan, contributing to diplomatic relations. His career spanned decades, influencing representation in film and culture.

Continue Reading

Walter Becker

American singer-songwriter and producer
Born
February 20th, 1950 75 years ago
Died
September 3rd, 2017 7 years ago — 67 years old

A singer-songwriter, guitarist, and producer from the United States, recognized for co-founding the rock band Steely Dan. Played a significant role in shaping the band's distinctive sound. Collaborated with Donald Fagen in writing and producing music that blended rock, jazz, and pop, and achieved commercial success through critically acclaimed albums. Also released solo albums, showcasing a range of musical styles and influences.

Continue Reading

Ciro Immobile

Italian Footballer and Lazio Goal Scorer
Born
February 20th, 1990 35 years ago

Professionally engaged in football, played primarily as a striker. Became a key player for S.S. Lazio, achieving significant success in Serie A. Gained recognition for outstanding scoring ability and leadership on the field, contributing to Lazio's Coppa Italia victories. Competed in international tournaments representing Italy, including the UEFA European Championship.

Continue Reading

John Milnor

Mathematician and Fields Medal recipient
Born
February 20th, 1931 94 years ago

An American mathematician and academic contributed significantly to topology, differential topology, and geometric topology. Milnor's work on the theory of differentiable manifolds and the discovery of exotic spheres advanced mathematical understanding. He served as a professor at Princeton University and later at the Institute for Advanced Study. The Fields Medal was awarded in 1962 for groundbreaking contributions to the field of mathematics.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on December 13th

Wlodimir Ledóchowski

Religious leader in the Society of Jesus
Born
1866 159 years ago
Died
December 13th, 1942 82 years ago — 76 years old

Served as the 26th Superior-General of the Society of Jesus from 1915 until 1942. Led the Society during significant challenges, including the rise of totalitarian regimes in Europe. Contributed to the global expansion of Jesuit missions and was instrumental in maintaining the order's stability during turbulent times. Focused on spiritual renewal within the Society and promoted educational initiatives in various countries.

Continue Reading

Addie Viola Smith

American lawyer and trade commissioner
Born
November 14th, 1893 131 years ago
Died
December 13th, 1975 49 years ago — 82 years old

Born in 1893, this individual became a prominent figure in the field of law, serving as a trade commissioner. She worked on various initiatives to promote international trade and supported policies that benefitted commerce and industry. In addition to legal work, she contributed to significant reforms that impacted trade regulations in her time. Her career in law and trade was marked by dedication to enhancing economic opportunities, especially for underrepresented sectors.

Continue Reading

Johann Centurius Hoffmannsegg

German botanist and entomologist
Born
1766 259 years ago
Died
December 13th, 1849 175 years ago — 83 years old

Contributed significantly to botany and entomology during the early 19th century. Conducted extensive research on plant and insect species, establishing a connection between the two fields. Focused on the classification and description of various species, enhancing scientific knowledge. Collaborated with other naturalists to document findings and compile collections that influenced future botanical studies.

Continue Reading

Henry IX

Duke of Bavaria and Holy Roman Emperor
Born
1075 950 years ago
Died
December 13th, 1126 898 years ago — 51 years old

Ascended to power in Bavaria during the 11th century, leading the duchy and participating in the politics of the Holy Roman Empire. Served as a key figure amidst conflicts involving various European powers. Contracted and managed alliances that were significant in the feudal landscape of the time. Held the title of Holy Roman Emperor briefly and was involved in efforts to enhance the authority of the imperial throne. Death marked the end of a notable lineage in Bavarian and imperial governance.

Continue Reading

Rosina Heikel

Finnish physician and medical pioneer
Born
March 17th, 1842 183 years ago
Died
December 13th, 1929 95 years ago — 87 years old

Graduated from the University of Helsinki in 1884, specializing in gynecology. Practiced medicine in Helsinki and became one of the first female physicians in Finland. Contributed to the medical field through her work in public health and women's health issues. Advocated for women's education and the advancement of women in medicine, serving as a role model for future female doctors in Finland. In 1900, performed one of the first hysterectomies in Finland.

Continue Reading

Ella Baker

Civil Rights Activist and Leader
Born
December 13th, 1903 121 years ago
Died
December 13th, 1986 38 years ago — 83 years old

Born in 1903, significant contributions to the civil rights movement occurred throughout the mid-20th century. Assisted in the founding of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) in 1960, emphasizing grassroots organizing and leadership development. Worked with organizations such as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). Advocated for collective decision-making and empowerment within the African American community.

Continue Reading