Ezra Taft Benson
Religious leader, 13th LDS Church President
Served as the 13th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Was appointed as Secretary of Agriculture under President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Played a significant role in promoting agricultural policies and the welfare of farmers. Engaged in the church's leadership during a time of growth and expansion in the latter half of the 20th century.
Served as the 13th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1985 to 1994
Held the position of Secretary of Agriculture from 1953 to 1961
Other People Born on August 4th
Luis Aponte Martínez
Cardinal and Archbishop of San Juan
Born
August 4th, 1922 103 years ago
Died
April 10th, 2012 13 years ago — 89 years old
Ordained a priest in 1950, served in various roles within the Catholic Church. Appointed as Archbishop of San Juan in 1973, held this position until retirement in 2004. Elevated to the rank of cardinal in 1973. Focused on pastoral care and community outreach in the archdiocese. Contributed to the development of Catholic education and social programs in Puerto Rico.
Continue ReadingKnut Hamsun
Norwegian novelist and Nobel laureate
Born
August 4th, 1859 166 years ago
Died
February 19th, 1952 73 years ago — 92 years old
Pioneered modernist literature, focusing on psychological themes, nature, and introspection. Published works include 'Hunger', 'Growth of the Soil', and 'Hunger' garnered international acclaim. 'Growth of the Soil' won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1920. Contributions to literature emphasized the inner workings of the human mind and the struggle for identity. Explored the complexities of human experience and the relationship with nature.
Continue ReadingIosia Soliola
Rugby league player, 2013 World Cup participant
Born
August 4th, 1986 39 years ago
Born in 1986, a rugby league player represented New Zealand and Samoa. Played as a forward and contributed significantly to his teams throughout his career. Notably participated in the 2013 Rugby League World Cup with the Samoan national team. Played in the National Rugby League (NRL) for several clubs including the Canberra Raiders and the St. George Illawarra Dragons. His career was marked by strong performances and leadership on the field.
Continue ReadingPope 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 ReadingPer-Åge Skrøder
Ice Hockey Player, World Championships
Born
August 4th, 1978 47 years ago
Played ice hockey primarily as a forward. Competed in the top leagues in Norway and Sweden. Represented Norway in international competitions, including the IIHF World Championships. Contributed to multiple championship runs in domestic leagues, showcasing skills in scoring and teamwork.
Continue ReadingHenri Cornet
French cyclist, Tour de France 1904 winner
Born
August 4th, 1884 141 years ago
Died
March 18th, 1941 84 years ago — 56 years old
A French cyclist competed professionally in the early 20th century. Achievements in cycling included winning the 1904 Tour de France, becoming the first competitor to claim the title in the event's history. This victory came amidst controversy regarding the race's rules and conduct.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on May 30th
Ted Drake
English Footballer and Manager
Born
August 16th, 1912 113 years ago
Died
May 30th, 1995 30 years ago — 82 years old
A professional footballer and manager began his career at Arsenal, where he achieved notable success. Drake became one of the leading goal-scorers for Arsenal, contributing significantly to their victories in the 1940s. Following his playing career, he transitioned into management, leading teams in various leagues. His contributions to English football have been recognized for decades.
Continue ReadingJack Twyman
Basketball player and Hall of Famer
Born
May 11th, 1934 91 years ago
Died
May 30th, 2012 13 years ago — 78 years old
A professional basketball player played for the Cincinnati Royals from 1955 to 1966. Excelled as a forward, contributing significantly to the team's success during his tenure. Achieved six NBA All-Star selections and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1983. After retiring from playing, served as a broadcaster and coach. Renowned for his scoring ability and versatility on the court, helping elevate the Royals' competitive status in the league.
Continue ReadingWilbur Wright
Aviation pioneer and inventor
Born
April 16th, 1867 158 years ago
Died
May 30th, 1912 113 years ago — 45 years old
An American inventor and aviation pioneer contributed significantly to the development of the airplane. Along with his brother, designed and built the first successful powered aircraft. The Wright Flyer achieved the first powered flight on December 17, 1903, in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. This achievement marked a pivotal moment in aviation history and paved the way for the future of air travel. Established the Wright Company to manufacture airplanes after the early success.
Continue ReadingPrajadhipok
King of Thailand, 1932 revolution leader
Born
November 8th, 1893 132 years ago
Died
May 30th, 1941 84 years ago — 47 years old
Reigned as the seventh monarch of the House of Chakri from 1925 until 1935. Played a crucial role during the Siamese revolution of 1932, which transitioned Thailand from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy. Was an advocate for constitutional reforms and modernization. Upon abdication, lived in exile in England where he passed away. His reign marked a significant shift in the governance of Thailand, leading to a more democratic political environment.
Continue ReadingDufferin Roblin
Politician, 14th Premier of Manitoba
Born
June 17th, 1917 108 years ago
Died
May 30th, 2010 15 years ago — 92 years old
Served as the 14th Premier of Manitoba from 1958 to 1967. Helped to modernize the province's infrastructure and enhance education systems during tenure. Promoted economic development through various initiatives. Contributed to the construction of several key public works projects.
Continue ReadingRobert Sterling
American actor from 'Topper' series
Born
November 13th, 1917 108 years ago
Died
May 30th, 2006 19 years ago — 88 years old
Achieved prominence in the 1950s as a television actor, particularly recognized for starring in the series 'Topper' which aired from 1953 to 1955. Appeared in numerous films during the 1940s and 1950s, including roles in 'The Ghost and Mrs. Muir' and 'The Bride Goes Wild'. Sterling’s career spanned over four decades, with appearances in various television shows and movies. His contributions to the television landscape paved the way for future actors in comedy and family-oriented programming. Continued working into the 1970s, demonstrating versatility across genres and performances.
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