Ellen Willmott
Horticulturalist with notable gardens
An English horticulturalist specialized in growing and cultivating a wide range of plants. Established large gardens at her home, Warley Place in Essex, which featured rare and exotic plants. Contributed extensively to botanical literature and was an active member of several horticultural societies. The creation of a specific garden dedicated to the Erythrina and a prominent role in the Royal Horticultural Society highlighted her career.
Created Warley Place garden in Essex
Published botanical works and papers
Other People Born on August 19th
Manuel L. Quezon
Filipino politician and lawyer, 2nd President
Born
August 19th, 1878 147 years ago
Died
August 1st, 1944 81 years ago — 65 years old
Served as the 2nd President of the Philippines from 1935 to 1944, leading the country during its transition from a U.S. territory to an independent nation. Established a national language and emphasized education and infrastructure development. Played a significant role in establishing the Commonwealth government. Advocated for the rights of Filipinos and worked towards national sovereignty. Quezon's administration faced challenges during World War II, including the Japanese occupation.
Continue ReadingFred Thompson
American actor and politician
Born
August 19th, 1942 83 years ago
Died
November 1st, 2015 10 years ago — 73 years old
Started a career in acting, appearing in the film 'The Hunt for Red October' and the television series 'Law & Order'. Transitioned into politics, serving as a U.S. Senator from Tennessee from 1994 to 2003. Participated in the 2008 Republican presidential primaries. Worked as a registered lobbyist before and after the Senate tenure, and was involved in various public and legal advocacy efforts.
Continue ReadingWillard Boyle
Physicist, Nobel Prize in Physics recipient
Born
August 19th, 1924 101 years ago
Died
May 7th, 2011 14 years ago — 86 years old
A Canadian physicist and academic contributed significantly to the field of physics. In 1969, invented the charge-coupled device (CCD) alongside George E. Smith, which revolutionized electronic imaging. This technology is widely used in video cameras, digital cameras, and astronomical imaging. The scientific contributions were recognized by the Nobel Prize in Physics awarded in 2009. Boyle worked at Bell Laboratories for many years, and his research focused on the development of light-sensitive devices, solid-state physics, and optical technologies.
Continue ReadingSid Going
Rugby player, All Blacks halfback
Born
August 19th, 1943 82 years ago
Died
May 17th, 2024 1 years ago — 80 years old
A prominent rugby player from New Zealand, played as a halfback. His career with the All Blacks spanned from 1963 to 1971, earning recognition for his remarkable skills on the field. Participated in numerous test matches, contributing to the team's successes during his tenure. Following retirement, engaged in coaching and rugby administration, influencing the sport at various levels.
Continue ReadingMadame du Barry
French royal mistress of Louis XV
Born
August 19th, 1743 282 years ago
Died
1793 233 years ago — 50 years old
Born in 1743, served as the mistress of Louis XV of France. Started her relationship with the king in 1763 at a time when the monarchy faced political and social challenges. Became a prominent figure at the French court, known for her influence and connection to the king. Engaged in various cultural and social activities, hosted salons, and contributed to the arts during her time. Following the king's death in 1774, faced challenges in maintaining her status and ultimately lived in exile after the French Revolution.
Continue ReadingGene Roddenberry
Screenwriter of Star Trek franchise
Born
August 19th, 1921 104 years ago
Died
October 24th, 1991 34 years ago — 70 years old
A screenwriter and producer, this individual created the iconic science fiction franchise Star Trek. The original television series premiered in 1966 and explored themes of exploration, humanity, and ethics in a future universe. This work laid the foundation for numerous spin-offs, films, and a substantial fan following. The visionary's approach to storytelling included a diverse cast and progressive social themes, impacting the genre's landscape. In recognition of contributions to filmmaking and television, received several posthumous accolades for trailblazing portrayal and narratives.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on September 27th
Pope Urban VII
Pope during the year 1590
Born
August 4th, 1521 504 years ago
Died
September 27th, 1590 435 years ago — 69 years old
Elected as Pope in 1590, served for only 13 days before death, marking one of the shortest papacies in history. Prior to papacy, held various positions within the Church, including Cardinal. Worked towards ecclesiastical reforms and improved church finances. Urban VII was noted for his compassion towards the poor and was instrumental in implementing measures for their well-being.
Continue ReadingWilliam of Wykeham
English bishop and educator
Born
1320 706 years ago
Died
September 27th, 1404 621 years ago — 84 years old
William of Wykeham served as the Bishop of Winchester and was a key figure in the development of education in England. He founded New College, Oxford, in 1379 and established Winchester College in 1382, which became significant institutions for education. His contributions to architecture are notable, especially in the rebuilding of Winchester Cathedral.
Continue ReadingBernard Courtois
Chemist who discovered iodine
Born
February 12th, 1777 249 years ago
Died
September 27th, 1838 187 years ago — 61 years old
A chemist and academic made significant contributions to chemistry during the early 19th century. In 1811, discovered iodine while extracting substances from seaweed. This discovery was pivotal in the advancement of chemical education and practice. Also engaged in various academic pursuits, contributing to the understanding of chemical compounds and their uses in industry and medicine.
Continue ReadingKarl Christian Friedrich Krause
Philosopher, founder of Krausism
Born
May 6th, 1781 244 years ago
Died
September 27th, 1832 193 years ago — 51 years old
A significant figure in German philosophy, focused on the synthesis of rationalism and idealism. Contributed extensively to metaphysics, philosophy of religion, and the moral and social implications of philosophy. His philosophical system promoted an understanding of the unity between the finite and the infinite, emphasizing the importance of individual and collective consciousness. Authored several influential works, including 'Das Grundriss der Philosophischen Wissenschaften' and 'Philosophie der Geschichte'. He also influenced various movements in Spain and Latin America through the dissemination of Krausism.
Continue ReadingMarty Balin
Singer-songwriter and guitarist of Jefferson Airplane
Born
January 30th, 1942 84 years ago
Died
September 27th, 2018 7 years ago — 76 years old
A prominent figure in the counterculture music scene, contributed to the formation of the band Jefferson Airplane in 1965. The band became a defining act of the psychedelic rock era, achieving significant commercial success. Balin's songwriting and vocal contributions were central to the band's sound, especially in hits like "Somebody to Love" and "White Rabbit." He left the group in 1971 but remained involved in music, forming the band Jefferson Starship, which also gained popularity in the late 1970s and 1980s. His work extended beyond music into other artistic endeavors, including painting and poetry, reflecting a lifelong engagement with creative expression.
Continue ReadingBraxton Bragg
American Civil War general.
Born
March 22nd, 1817 209 years ago
Died
September 27th, 1876 149 years ago — 59 years old
Served as a Confederate general during the American Civil War. Played a significant role in key battles, including the Battle of Chickamauga and the Battle of Chattanooga. Held the position of General and was in command of the Army of Tennessee. Contributed to military strategies and tactics throughout the war. After the war, Bragg held various military roles and served as a supervisor of the Louisiana State Penitentiary.
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