Francis William Reitz

South African lawyer and politician

Francis William Reitz - South African lawyer and politician
Born

October 5th, 1844
180 years ago

Died

March 27th, 1934
90 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

Avraham Adan

Israeli general and military leader
Born
October 5th, 1926 98 years ago
Died
September 28th, 2012 12 years ago — 85 years old

Born in 1926, served in the Israel Defense Forces and achieved significant prominence during the Six-Day War in 1967. Held the position of commander of the IDF Southern Command and was instrumental in various military operations throughout the years. His leadership played a role in shaping the Israeli military strategy during critical periods.

Continue Reading

Cody Zeller

Basketball player, Charlotte Hornets
Born
October 5th, 1992 32 years ago

Played college basketball at Indiana University, earning All-American honors. Selected fourth overall in the 2013 NBA Draft by the Charlotte Bobcats. Played for the Charlotte Hornets throughout his NBA career, contributing as a center. Involved in various charitable activities within the community during and after basketball career.

Continue Reading

Denis Diderot

Philosopher and critic of the Enlightenment
Born
October 5th, 1713 311 years ago
Died
July 31st, 1784 240 years ago — 70 years old

A prominent figure of the Enlightenment, contributed significantly to philosophy, literary criticism, and the arts. Co-founded the 'Encyclopédie', which aimed to disseminate knowledge and challenge traditional ideas. Wrote extensively on subjects such as aesthetics, ethics, and knowledge. Diderot's philosophical writings posed challenges to established religious and political beliefs, advancing secular thought.

Continue Reading

Jock Stein

Football manager and Celtic FC legend
Born
October 5th, 1922 102 years ago
Died
September 10th, 1985 39 years ago — 62 years old

One of the most successful football managers in history, a deep commitment to Celtic FC characterized a major portion of the career. Led Celtic to the 1967 European Cup victory, becoming the first British team to do so. Managed the team from 1965 to 1978, achieving numerous domestic titles. Before management, also had a career as a player, primarily with Celtic, winning several league championships. Recognized for tactical innovation and building a formidable team.

Continue Reading

Michael Grabner

Austrian ice hockey player with NHL success
Born
October 5th, 1987 37 years ago

An Austrian ice hockey player, achieved recognition playing as a winger in the National Hockey League (NHL). Played for various teams, most notably the New York Islanders, where significant contributions were made across multiple seasons. Also represented the Austrian national team in international competitions. Notable for speed and scoring ability, reflecting a strong offensive role throughout the career.

Continue Reading

Stetson Kennedy

Author and Civil Rights Activist
Born
October 5th, 1916 108 years ago
Died
2011 14 years ago — 95 years old

Contributed to the American civil rights movement through literature and activism. Authored works documenting the injustices faced by African Americans, including 'Jim Crow Guide' which exposed racial segregation in the South. Collaborated with the anti-Klan group, the Southern Conference for Human Welfare, and was instrumental in undermining the Ku Klux Klan's influence through infiltration. His experiences were later reflected in the book 'The Klan Unmasked', which detailed the inner workings of the Klan. Used storytelling as a means to advocate for social justice and equality.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on March 27th

Joe Start

Baseball player and manager
Born
October 14th, 1842 182 years ago
Died
March 27th, 1927 97 years ago — 84 years old

Started professional baseball career in 1859. Played first base for several teams, including the Brooklyn Excelsiors and the New York Mutuals. Managed teams after retirement from playing, influencing the game’s development. Won the 1885 pennant with the New York Giants in the American Association. Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1939.

Continue Reading

Billy Wilder

Director of 'Some Like It Hot'
Born
June 22nd, 1906 118 years ago
Died
March 27th, 2002 22 years ago — 95 years old

Austrian-born American director, producer, and screenwriter, recognized for contributions to classic cinema. Migrated to the United States in the 1930s, transitioning from screenwriting to directing. Directed numerous acclaimed films, blending humor with social commentary. Collaborated with major studios and talent, influencing cinematic style and narrative structure. Achieved recognition through varied genres, including drama and comedy.

Continue Reading

Mother Angelica

Roman Catholic religious leader and founder
Born
April 20th, 1923 101 years ago
Died
March 27th, 2016 8 years ago — 92 years old

A significant figure in American Catholicism, Mother Angelica founded the Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN) in 1981, which became the largest religious television network in the world. She established a community of nuns and led various evangelistic efforts. As a host of programs on EWTN, she discussed faith and spirituality, attracting a wide audience. She authored several books and was an influential voice in contemporary Catholic discourse until her passing in 2016.

Continue Reading

Abraham Mignon

Dutch still-life painter of the 17th century
Born
1640 385 years ago
Died
March 27th, 1679 345 years ago — 39 years old

This individual specialized in still-life paintings, focusing on floral arrangements, fruits, and insects. Active during the Dutch Golden Age, the artist was noted for the use of color, composition, and the exquisite detail in the works. Workshops in cities such as Utrecht and Antwerp shaped the artist's style. Many paintings exhibited influences from contemporary Flemish artists, showcasing a blend of naturalism and the decorative. The body of work includes prominent pieces like 'Still Life with Flowers' and 'Still Life with Fruit'. The contributions to the genre established a reputation within the artistic community of the time, with numerous works still housed in major museums worldwide.

Continue Reading

Arnold Bennett

English author of literary works
Born
May 27th, 1867 157 years ago
Died
March 27th, 1931 93 years ago — 63 years old

This individual was a prominent English author and playwright whose literary contributions significantly shaped the early 20th-century literary landscape. His most recognized work includes the novel 'Clayhanger', which reflects the life of a family in the Potteries, and the collection of stories in 'The Old Wives' Tale'. Bennett's writing often explored themes of everyday life and the impact of industrialization. He also wrote plays, with 'Milestones' being one of his notable works. His works contributed to the novel form and social commentary during his time, earning a place in the examination of English literature of the period.

Continue Reading

Kiichiro Toyoda

Japanese businessman and founder of Toyota
Born
June 11th, 1894 130 years ago
Died
March 27th, 1952 72 years ago — 57 years old

Founded an automotive manufacturer in Japan that grew to become one of the largest car manufacturers in the world. Led the development of Japan's automobile industry after establishing the Toyota Motor Corporation in 1937. Implemented innovative manufacturing techniques that enhanced productivity and quality. Contributed significantly to Japan's post-war economic recovery through the automobile sector.

Continue Reading