Elisha Gray

Engineer and co-founder of Western Electric

Elisha Gray - Engineer and co-founder of Western Electric
Born

August 2nd, 1835
190 years ago

Died

January 21st, 1901
124 years ago — 65 years old

Category

Scientists & Innovators

Country

United States

Links & References

An American engineer and inventor, co-founded Western Electric, which became a major telecommunications manufacturing company. Developed the harmonic telegraph, an important advancement in telegraphy. Engaged in legal battles with Alexander Graham Bell over the invention of the telephone. Founded the Elisha Gray & Company and continued contributions to electrical engineering and communications technologies.

Co-founded Western Electric

Developed the harmonic telegraph

Engaged in legal disputes with Alexander Graham Bell

Other People Born on August 2nd

Keston Hiura

Baseball player, Milwaukee Brewers MVP
Born
August 2nd, 1996 29 years ago

Debuted in Major League Baseball with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2019. Played primarily as a second baseman and first baseman. Achieved notable batting performance during the 2019 and 2020 seasons, showcasing power hitting and offensive skills. Contributed significantly to the team's performance in the National League.

Continue Reading

Rómulo Gallegos

Venezuelan novelist and politician
Born
August 2nd, 1884 141 years ago
Died
April 5th, 1969 56 years ago — 84 years old

A prominent novelist and politician, this figure served as an influential voice in Venezuelan literature and politics. A major work includes the novel 'Don Segundo Sombra', which highlighted rural life in Venezuela. As a politician, served as President of Venezuela in 1948, advocating for democratic principles. His works often reflected the sociopolitical issues of Venezuela and contributed to the national identity. His legacy in literature and politics remains significant in Venezuela.

Continue Reading

Angel Lagdameo

Archbishop; former president of CBCP
Born
August 2nd, 1940 85 years ago
Died
2022 3 years ago — 82 years old

Born in 1940, a prominent archbishop in the Philippines. Served as the Archbishop of Jaro from 2005 until retirement in 2016. Held the position of president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) from 2004 to 2009, influencing the church's direction during a significant period of social issues in the country. Advocated for various social justice initiatives and brought attention to national concerns regarding poverty and political issues. Participated actively in interfaith dialogues to promote peace.

Continue Reading

Beatrice Straight

American actress, Academy Award winner
Born
August 2nd, 1914 111 years ago
Died
April 7th, 2001 24 years ago — 86 years old

An American actress who achieved recognition for stage, film, and television performances. Straight's career spanned several decades, featuring a celebrated role in the film 'Network' which earned an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Her stage work included performances in notable Broadway productions, showcasing her talent in the performing arts. Television appearances included roles in series such as 'The Waltons' and 'The Good Wife.' Straight's contributions to acting established a respected reputation in the industry.

Continue Reading

Bertha Lutz

Brazilian feminist and scientist
Born
August 2nd, 1894 131 years ago
Died
September 16th, 1976 49 years ago — 82 years old

A prominent Brazilian feminist and scientist, focused on women's rights and scientific research. Played a key role in the suffrage movement in Brazil, advocating for women's voting rights. Contributed to the founding of the Brazilian Federation for Women's Progress. Conducted significant research in the field of herpetology, contributing to the study of amphibians and reptiles. Actively worked towards the inclusion of women in scientific endeavors and was an influential figure in both feminism and sciences in Brazil.

Continue Reading

Neal Morse

Progressive rock musician and composer
Born
August 2nd, 1960 65 years ago

A prominent progressive rock musician and composer, significant contributions made to the genre through solo work and as a member of several bands. Founded the band Spock's Beard, which gained recognition in the 1990s with albums such as 'The Light' and 'Beware of Darkness'. Later formed the Neal Morse Band, releasing critical works like 'The Similitude of a Dream'. Contributions extend to musical theatre and gospel music, with several solo albums that explore spiritual themes.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on January 21st

Henri

Count of Paris, Head of Orléans family
Born
April 16th, 1955 70 years ago
Died
January 21st, 2019 6 years ago — 63 years old

Born into the House of Orléans, held the title of Count of Paris and was the head of the Orléanist branch of the French royal family. Engaged in royalist activities and advocated for the restoration of monarchy in France. Participated in various commemorative events in honor of the monarchy's history. Maintained strong connections with royalist groups and actively promoted his family's legacy until passing in January 2019.

Continue Reading

Charlie Gehringer

Baseball player and manager
Born
May 11th, 1903 122 years ago
Died
January 21st, 1993 32 years ago — 89 years old

An American baseball player and manager, this individual played for the Detroit Tigers from 1924 to 1942. Recognized as a skilled second baseman, he was a key member of the Tigers team that won the World Series in 1945. In addition to his playing career, he served as the team's manager in the mid-1950s. His contributions to baseball earned him induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1949. Gehringer's proficiency at the plate led to a career batting average of .320 and he established several records during his tenure.

Continue Reading

Bassel al-Assad

Syrian politician and heir apparent
Born
1962 63 years ago
Died
January 21st, 1994 31 years ago — 32 years old

Bassel al-Assad was the designated successor to the presidency of Syria. As the son of Hafez al-Assad, he was groomed for leadership within the Syrian government. Bassel held the position of a prominent military officer and was heavily involved in the country's political dynamics. He focused on modernizing the Syrian military and was involved in various civil enterprises aimed at fostering technological advancement in the region. Unfortunately, his life was cut short in a car accident in 1994, which altered the political landscape of Syria as it transitioned to his younger brother's leadership.

Continue Reading

Jacques-Henri Bernardin de Saint-Pierre

French botanist and author of Paul et Virginie
Born
1737 288 years ago
Died
January 21st, 1814 211 years ago — 77 years old

A prominent French botanist and author, he contributed significantly to literature and botany in the 18th century. His most notable work, 'Paul et Virginie', published in 1788, is a romantic novel that explores themes of nature and love set on the island of Mauritius. This work combined literary artistry with botanical description, reflecting the author's deep appreciation for nature. As a member of the French Academy, he engaged with contemporary debates on natural philosophy and environmental conservation. His observations and writings were influential in shaping French literature and botanical science during this period.

Continue Reading

Obadiah Walker

English historian and academic
Born
1616 409 years ago
Died
January 21st, 1699 326 years ago — 83 years old

A prominent historian and academic in England, contributed to the study of history and antiquities. Served as a master at Emmanuel College, Cambridge. Played a significant role in the scholarly community during the 17th century, focusing on historical texts and their interpretations. Engaged in various academic discussions and wrote extensively on historical topics, influencing future generations of historians.

Continue Reading

Camillo Golgi

Physician and pathologist, Nobel laureate
Born
July 7th, 1843 182 years ago
Died
January 21st, 1926 99 years ago — 82 years old

Contributed significantly to the field of neuroscience and histology. Developed the Golgi apparatus, a crucial structure in cellular biology. First utilized the silver chromate staining method, enabling the observation of nerve cells. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1906 alongside Santiago Ramón y Cajal for their work on the structure of the nervous system.

Continue Reading