Francis William Reitz
South African lawyer and politician

Born
October 5th, 1844
180 years ago
Died
March 27th, 1934
91 years ago — 89 years old
Category
Leaders & Politicians
Country
South Africa
Links & References
A prominent lawyer and politician, served as the 5th State President of the Orange Free State from 1889 to 1895. His tenure was marked by efforts to strengthen the administration and legal systems within the republic. Advocated for the rights of the Boer community during British colonial expansion in Southern Africa. Later became involved in the formation of the South African Republic and contributed to the constitutional development of the region.
Served as 5th State President of the Orange Free State
Contributed to the legal framework of the republic
Other People Born on October 5th
Sergey Muromtsev
A prominent Russian lawyer and politician, served as a member of the Russian State Duma. Contributed to legal reforms and advocated for civil rights during a time of significant political change in Russia. Worked diligently on issues related to justice and legality, influencing the legal landscape in the early 20th century. Actively participated in legislative discussions and promoted the establishment of a more equitable judicial system.
Continue ReadingHeather Headley
A Trinidadian-American singer, songwriter, and actress, this individual gained prominence on Broadway for the role of Nala in the musical 'The Lion King' and starred in 'Aida' for which a Tony Award was received. As a recording artist, released the critically acclaimed album 'This Is Who I Am' and garnered a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary R&B Gospel Album with 'Audience of One'. The ability to blend different musical styles contributed to a successful career in both theatre and music, showcasing a versatile talent that resonated with audiences.
Continue ReadingHugleikur Dagsson
An author and illustrator from Iceland, focused on creating comics that explore dark humor and social commentary. Published a number of graphic novels and compiled various comic collections. Works have been translated into multiple languages, reaching a wide audience. Dagsson's illustrations often feature satirical takes on modern life and existential themes.
Continue ReadingNate Thompson
Professional ice hockey player. Played in the NHL for multiple teams, including the Los Angeles Kings, with whom the player won the Stanley Cup in 2012. Also played for the New York Islanders, Tampa Bay Lightning, and other franchises. Demonstrated versatility as a forward, contributing defensively and in penalty-killing roles throughout the career. Participated in a considerable number of games, showcasing resilience and longevity in a physically demanding sport.
Continue ReadingPhilipp Mainländer
A philosopher developed a systematic philosophy based on pessimism and the conceptualization of the will to live. Influenced by Schopenhauer, emphasized that existence entails suffering and advocated for the idea of life as a struggle against extinction. Wrote major works detailing these views, including 'Die Philosophie der Erlösung', which explores the idea of salvation through the cessation of existence. Resided in Germany during the 19th century and contributed to philosophical discourse on the nature of being and despair.
Continue ReadingAlessandro Farnese
Served as a notable cardinal and diplomat during the late Renaissance. Held significant positions within the Catholic Church, including the role of Cardinal of Santa Maria in Portico. Played a crucial role in the politics of the Papal States and in the negotiations with Spain. Engaged in various diplomatic missions that influenced the religious and political landscape of the time.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on March 27th
Elisheva Bikhovski
Born in 1886, Bikhovski became a prominent figure in Hebrew and Yiddish poetry. Relocating to Palestine in 1925, worked as an editor and translator while participating in the literary community. Bikhovski published several poetry collections, gaining recognition for contributions to modern Hebrew literature. In 1947, Bikhovski's poetry was included in the anthology 'The New Hebrew Literature.' Bikhovski also contributed to literary journals, promoting the Hebrew language and culture.
Continue ReadingPope Gregory XI
Elected as Pope in 1370, this religious leader served during a period of significant upheaval in the Catholic Church, including the Avignon Papacy. After several years in France, returned the papacy to Rome in 1377, ending nearly 70 years of papal residence in Avignon. This move marked a pivotal moment in church history. The return aimed to restore the authority of the papacy within Italy and Europe, encouraging other clergy to relocate as well. The reign faced challenges including the ongoing Great Schism, which would arise shortly after the leader's death.
Continue ReadingKamal Hassan Ali
A prominent Egyptian general and politician, served as Prime Minister of Egypt during a critical period of the nation's history. Held key military positions and played a crucial role in shaping defense policies. His tenure was marked by efforts to modernize the armed forces and address national security challenges. Transitioned from military to political leadership, impacting Egypt's governance structure while navigating complex regional dynamics. After leaving the office of Prime Minister, continued to participate in political discourse until death in 1993.
Continue ReadingJakob Ackeret
An influential figure in the field of engineering, contributions spanned aerodynamics and fluid mechanics. Developed theoretical frameworks that became fundamental in aeronautical engineering. Served as a professor at ETH Zurich, shaping the education of many engineers and researchers. Conducted pivotal research that advanced understanding of turbulence and flow control, influencing both academic and practical applications in aerospace.
Continue ReadingSyed Ahmad Khan
A prominent educator and social reformer, contributed significantly to modernizing Indian society in the 19th century. Established the Muhammadan Educational Conference to promote education among Muslims. Founded the Aligarh Muslim University, which became a pivotal institution for higher education. Advocated for scientific education and sought to bridge the gap between Western knowledge and traditional Islamic scholarship. Emphasized the need for rational thought and scientific inquiry within the Muslim community.
Continue ReadingHjalmar Andersen
This athlete excelled in speed skating, becoming a prominent figure in the sport during the 1940s and 1950s. Competed in the 1948 Winter Olympics, securing three gold medals in the 500m, 1500m, and 10,000m events. Achieved significant success at the World Championships, where first place was claimed multiple times. Additionally, participated in cycling, showcasing versatility in sports.
Continue Reading