David O. McKay
Religious leader, 9th President of the Church
Served as the 9th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1951 until 1970. During tenure, emphasized education, global outreach, and family values. Led significant growth of the Church with numerous temples constructed and expanded educational programs. Advocated for humanitarian efforts and the importance of personal worth.
Presided over the growth of the Church worldwide
Conceived the Church's welfare and education initiatives
Dedicated multiple temples across the globe
Other People Born on September 8th
Denys Lasdun
Architect, co-designed Royal National Theatre
Born
September 8th, 1914 111 years ago
Died
January 11th, 2001 24 years ago — 86 years old
An English architect focused on modernist architecture and design. Co-designed the Royal National Theatre in London, a landmark example of brutalist architecture. His work emphasized the relationship between buildings and their surroundings, often integrating landscape into architectural forms. Worked on various educational buildings, cultural institutions, and residential projects throughout the UK. Received the Royal Institute of British Architects Gold Medal and was a member of the Royal Academy.
Continue ReadingSancho II of Portugal
King of Portugal and significant ruler
Born
September 8th, 1209 816 years ago
Died
January 4th, 1248 777 years ago — 38 years old
Ruled as king from 1223 until 1248, overseeing significant territorial expansions in the kingdom. He took part in military campaigns against Muslim territories, contributing to the Christian Reconquista efforts in the Iberian Peninsula. His reign was marked by internal strife and conflicts with nobility, which led to his eventual exile. Sancho II's leadership was characterized by both military challenges and the struggle to secure his authority within Portugal.
Continue ReadingJohn de Vere
English commander and politician
Born
September 8th, 1442 583 years ago
Died
March 10th, 1513 512 years ago — 70 years old
Thirteenth Earl of Oxford served as an English commander and politician during the late 15th and early 16th centuries. Held the title of Lord High Constable of England, a position of significant authority in the monarchy. Played a crucial role in the Wars of the Roses, aligning with the Yorkists and later supporting Henry VII. His contributions were pivotal in shaping the political landscape of England during a time of civil unrest.
Continue ReadingEmperor Xuanzong of Tang
Emperor of the Tang dynasty
Born
September 8th, 685 1340 years ago
Ruled the Tang dynasty from 712 to 756, presiding over a period characterized by political consolidation, cultural flourishing, and territorial expansion. Implemented significant reforms in administration and the military, leading to a strengthened central authority. Under leadership, the capital, Chang'an, became a cultural and economic hub. Patronized the arts, including poetry and painting, and supported musicians and performers, contributing to the era's cultural achievements. Faced later challenges, including rebellions and internal strife, ultimately leading to a decline in power.
Continue ReadingCharles Martel of Anjou
French noble and military leader
Born
September 8th, 1271 754 years ago
Died
1295 730 years ago — 24 years old
Born in 1271, a member of the House of Anjou, an influential noble in France. Served as the Count of Anjou and Maine, and held the title of Duke of Anjou. Played a significant role in the political and military affairs of the French kingdom during the late medieval period. Engaged in various campaigns and conflicts to expand territorial control and strengthen the influence of the Anjou dynasty. His leadership contributed to several notable events in the region.
Continue ReadingSal Valentino
Rock singer-songwriter and guitarist
Born
September 8th, 1942 83 years ago
A rock singer-songwriter and guitarist, contributed significantly to music in the 1960s and onward. Rose to fame as the lead vocalist of the music group The Beau Brummels. The band played a pivotal role in the folk rock movement with their unique sound that blended rock with folk elements. Their song "Laugh, Laugh" reached the top of the charts, establishing a lasting legacy. Beyond The Beau Brummels, pursued a solo career and collaborated with various artists, showcasing versatility in style and genre through the decades.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on January 18th
Alberto Nisman
Argentinian prosecutor of AMIA bombing
Born
December 5th, 1963 62 years ago
Died
January 18th, 2015 10 years ago — 51 years old
A prominent Argentine lawyer and prosecutor focused on significant criminal cases. Best recognized for the investigation of the 1994 AMIA bombing in Buenos Aires, which resulted in 85 deaths. Nisman played a key role in uncovering evidence and seeking justice for the victims of this terrorist attack. The case attracted national and international attention due to allegations linking the bombing to Iranian officials. Nisman was found dead in his apartment in January 2015, a day before he was scheduled to present his findings to Congress, leading to numerous speculations and controversies surrounding his death.
Continue ReadingMaria of Portugal
Infanta and daughter of King Peter I
Born
February 9th, 1313 712 years ago
Died
January 18th, 1357 668 years ago — 43 years old
Born as the daughter of King Peter I of Portugal, held the title of infanta. Engaged in political alliances through marriage. Became the Duchess of Burgundy by marriage to Philip the Bold. Her union aided in strengthening ties between the Kingdom of Portugal and the Burgundian Netherlands.
Continue ReadingEdmund Mortimer
5th Earl of March, English politician
Born
November 6th, 1391 634 years ago
Died
January 18th, 1425 600 years ago — 33 years old
The 5th Earl of March held significant political power in England during the early 15th century. Associated with the House of York, Mortimer played a critical role in the early stages of the Wars of the Roses. His lineage was tied to claims to the English throne, and he was involved in the turbulent politics of the time. Mortimer had a strong claim to the monarchy through his mother, and this connection influenced the rivalries of the period. His political maneuvers were marked by alliances and conflicts with other prominent figures of the era.
Continue ReadingJohn Tyler
10th President of the United States
Born
March 29th, 1790 235 years ago
Died
January 18th, 1862 163 years ago — 71 years old
Served as the 10th President of the United States from 1841 to 1845 after the death of William Henry Harrison. Played a key role in the annexation of Texas and was the first vice president to succeed to the presidency due to a president's death. He faced significant opposition from his own party, the Whigs, leading to conflicts over policies and party loyalty. After leaving the presidency, remained active in politics and became a supporter of the Confederacy during the Civil War.
Continue ReadingCharles Floquet
French lawyer and Prime Minister
Born
October 2nd, 1828 197 years ago
Died
January 18th, 1896 129 years ago — 67 years old
Served as the 55th Prime Minister of France from 1888 to 1889. Floquet held various political positions throughout his career, including being a prominent member of the Radical Party. He was known for his advocacy of secularism and education reforms. Participated actively in legislative debates and worked towards reforms in the French government. Floquet was also involved in addressing issues related to labor and social policies during his time in office.
Continue ReadingAdolf Butenandt
German biochemist and Nobel laureate
Born
March 24th, 1903 122 years ago
Died
January 18th, 1995 30 years ago — 91 years old
A prominent biochemist contributed significantly to the understanding of sex hormones. Conducted pioneering work on the isolation and characterization of steroids, particularly estrone, from the urine of pregnant women. Served as a professor at the University of Tübingen and later the University of Munich, focusing on biochemical research and education. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1939 for research on hormones, specifically for work on sex hormones and their physiological effects.
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