Elias Lönnrot
Finnish physician and philologist

Born
April 9th, 1802
223 years ago
Died
March 19th, 1884
141 years ago — 81 years old
Category
Thinkers & Philosophers
Country
Finland
Links & References
Contributed significantly to Finnish literature and language through philological studies. Compiled the Finnish national epic, the Kalevala, which is a collection of folklore and mythology. Worked as a systematic collector of oral poetry and folk tales, sparking interest in Finnish heritage. Held a medical degree and practiced medicine while engaging in the collection of Finnish cultural works.
Compiled the Kalevala
Innovated in Finnish philology
Other People Born on April 9th
Mance Lipscomb
Born in Texas, this artist became a prominent figure in the American blues scene. Active in the 20th century, particularly after the 1960s folk music revival, extended influence through live performances and recordings. Lipscomb's style blended Delta blues with traditional folk music. His recordings for the label Vanguard showcased his work, with significant contributions to preserving and popularizing Texas country blues. The artist's guitar skills and storytelling abilities resonated with audiences, leading to a revival of interest in early American musical traditions. Notably performed at the 1964 Newport Folk Festival, further establishing a connection with the folk revival movement.
Continue ReadingLéon Blum
A prominent French lawyer and politician, served as Prime Minister of France during the Popular Front government in 1936. Implemented significant social reforms, including the establishment of paid holidays and a 40-hour work week. Led the French delegation during the international socialist movement, influencing leftist politics in France. His government faced challenges from rising fascism and economic difficulties leading to his eventual resignation in 1937. After World War II, he returned to politics, contributing to the rebuilding of the French socialist party.
Continue ReadingSimon Brown
Born in 1937, this individual served as a lieutenant, lawyer, and judge. Educated at the University of Oxford, gained prominence in the legal system through various high-profile cases. Served as a Lord Justice of Appeal, contributing to the development of legal principles within the British judiciary. Appointed to the House of Lords in 1994, focusing on issues related to law and justice.
Continue ReadingHenrik Rysensteen
Born in the 17th century, this military engineer specialized in the design and construction of fortifications. Worked on numerous projects throughout Europe, focusing on the development of effective defensive structures that utilized the latest techniques in military engineering. Contributed significantly to the field during a time of warfare and conflict, influencing the design of fortresses that maximized both defense and strategic advantage.
Continue ReadingRichard Hatfield
Served as the 26th Premier of New Brunswick from 1970 to 1987. Played a significant role in provincial politics during the latter half of the 20th century, implementing various policies and initiatives. Focused on economic development, infrastructure, and education during tenure. Contributed to the establishment of the New Brunswick Lottery and improved the province's financial management. Held several key positions within the Progressive Conservative Party and was influential in party politics at the provincial level.
Continue ReadingPeter Canavan
Played Gaelic football for Tyrone, winning the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship in 2003. Served as team captain and displayed notable leadership on the field. Transitioned to management roles after retiring from playing, taking on the role of manager for various teams. His contributions to Gaelic football have been recognized through numerous accolades and honors during his playing career.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on March 19th
John Bingham
Served as the 7th United States Ambassador to Japan from 1896 until 1900. Played a significant role in enhancing U.S.-Japan relations during a period of growing international influence in Asia. Actively engaged in various diplomatic discussions to strengthen ties between the two nations. Prior to ambassadorship, held various legal and political positions, contributing to the American legal landscape in the late 19th century.
Continue ReadingFred Phelps
A lawyer and pastor, founded the Westboro Baptist Church in 1955 in Topeka, Kansas. The church became widely recognized for its controversial protests and demonstrations against various social issues, particularly its anti-LGBTQ+ stance. Phelps led the church, promoting its ideologies and participating in numerous high-profile protests. The organization gained national attention through its picketing at military funerals, claiming it was a message from God about the nation's moral decline. Phelps remained a polarizing figure until his death in 2014.
Continue ReadingArthur Balfour
Balfour served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1902 to 1905. He was a member of the Conservative Party and played a key role in British politics during his tenure. Balfour is credited with the Balfour Declaration of 1917, which expressed British support for a Jewish homeland in Palestine. His political career included serving as First Lord of the Admiralty and as Foreign Secretary, where he focused on various foreign policy issues. Balfour's contributions to British politics left a lasting legacy.
Continue ReadingThomas Ken
An English bishop and hymn-writer, played a significant role in the Church of England during the 17th century. Served as a clergyman at various churches, including the Cathedral of Wells. His works included a number of hymns, most notably 'Awake, My Soul, and with the Sun', which are still sung in churches today. Involved in various theological disputes and was known for his strong stance on issues of church governance and doctrine.
Continue ReadingLawrence Walsh
A Canadian-American lawyer and politician, served as the 4th United States Deputy Attorney General. Appointed by President Ronald Reagan, held the position from 1981 to 1983. Played a significant role in the Iran-Contra investigation, overseeing the legal aspects of the proceedings. His efforts contributed to uncovering a major political scandal involving the Reagan administration's secret arms deals with Iran and the funding of Contra rebels in Nicaragua.
Continue ReadingHenry the Bearded
Held the title of Duke of Silesia and played a significant role in the political landscape of Poland during the 12th and early 13th centuries. Son of Bolesław I the Tall, worked to unify and strengthen the duchies in Silesia. Engaged in military campaigns against various opponents, including the Mongols. His reign saw attempts at consolidating power in a fragmented Polish state. Died in 1238, leaving a legacy of regional leadership.
Continue Reading