Franklin Pierce

14th President of the United States

Franklin Pierce - 14th President of the United States
Born

November 23rd, 1804
220 years ago

Died

October 8th, 1869
155 years ago — 64 years old

Category

Leaders & Politicians

Country

United States

Links & References

Served as the 14th President from 1853 to 1857. Prior to the presidency, held positions as a U.S. Representative and a U.S. Senator from New Hampshire. Commanded a brigade during the Mexican-American War, rising to the rank of brigadier general. Advocated for the expansion of the United States through the enforcement of the Kansas-Nebraska Act, which allowed new territories to decide on slavery. His presidency was marked by significant political strife and debates over slavery, contributing to the events leading up to the Civil War.

Served as the 14th President of the United States

Advocated for the Kansas-Nebraska Act

Other People Born on November 23rd

Irvin J. Borowsky

American publisher and philanthropist
Born
November 23rd, 1924 100 years ago
Died
November 25th, 2014 10 years ago — 90 years old

A prominent publisher and philanthropist engaged in various cultural and educational initiatives. Established a publishing house that focused on art and literature, contributing significant works to the fields. Actively supported the arts and public education through philanthropic endeavors, funding scholarships and arts programs. Instrumental in establishing a foundation aimed at improving literacy and providing resources for artistic expression.

Continue Reading

Prospero Alpini

Italian physician and botanist
Born
November 23rd, 1553 471 years ago
Died
February 6th, 1617 408 years ago — 63 years old

A prominent figure in the study of botany and medicine, characterized by contributions to the understanding of medicinal plants. Served as a physician in Venice and made significant observations during his travels in the Levant, particularly in Egypt. His seminal work, 'De Plantis Aegypti', detailed the flora of Egypt and introduced several plant species to European science. Established principles of botanical classification and emphasized the importance of systematic observation in botany.

Continue Reading

Fred Buscaglione

Italian singer and actor, La Canzone del Mare
Born
November 23rd, 1921 103 years ago
Died
February 3rd, 1960 65 years ago — 38 years old

An Italian singer and actor achieved prominence in the 1950s, primarily in the musical genre known as 'bossa nova' infused with jazz elements. Rose to fame with performances in various clubs and radio shows. Gained significant popularity for songs like 'Che m'importa del mondo' and 'La Canzone del Mare.' Also starred in films such as 'Gli Amori di Pasquale' and 'Il Mondo di Notte.' His unique style and charismatic stage presence left a lasting impression on Italian pop music and cinema. Tragically passed away at a young age, yet left behind a legacy of memorable songs and performances that continue to resonate.

Continue Reading

Hjalmar Branting

Swedish politician and Nobel laureate
Born
November 23rd, 1860 164 years ago
Died
February 24th, 1925 100 years ago — 64 years old

Served as the 16th Prime Minister of Sweden, holding office from 1920 to 1923. Played a significant role in Swedish politics and was a member of the Social Democratic Party. Contributed to the establishment of the League of Nations, emphasizing international cooperation and peace. Received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1921 for efforts in promoting peace and disarmament.

Continue Reading

Võ Văn Kiệt

Vietnamese politician and Prime Minister
Born
November 23rd, 1922 102 years ago
Died
June 11th, 2008 16 years ago — 85 years old

Served as a soldier during the First Indochina War and later in the Vietnam War. Became the 6th Prime Minister of Vietnam from 1991 to 1997, playing a significant role in the economic reforms known as Đổi Mới. Focused on transitioning Vietnam from a centrally planned economy to a socialist-oriented market economy. Advocated for improved relations with foreign countries, contributing to Vietnam's integration into the global economy.

Continue Reading

Peter Lindbergh

Photographer known for fashion photography
Born
November 23rd, 1944 80 years ago
Died
2019 6 years ago — 75 years old

A prominent photographer and director, celebrated for contributions to the fashion industry. Lindbergh's work focused on black-and-white photography, combining artistic vision with strong storytelling. He shot iconic campaigns for brands such as Yves Saint Laurent and Prada. His photographs often featured models in natural settings, emphasizing authenticity and emotion. Lindbergh also directed films and was involved in various art exhibitions throughout his career. His distinct style helped redefine beauty standards in fashion photography.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on October 8th

Fernando Lamas

Actor and director of 'The Merry Widow'
Born
January 9th, 1915 110 years ago
Died
October 8th, 1982 42 years ago — 67 years old

Born in Argentina, a prominent actor, singer, and director made significant contributions to film and television during the mid-20th century. Transitioned to Hollywood, gaining recognition for appearances in various films and television series. Directed and starred in multiple productions, showcasing both acting and directorial skills. Established a notable presence in the entertainment industry, particularly during the 1950s and 1960s.

Continue Reading

Konstantinos Tsatsos

Greek scholar and President of Greece
Born
July 1st, 1899 125 years ago
Died
October 8th, 1987 37 years ago — 88 years old

Engaged in the fields of law and political science, held the position of President of Greece from 1975 to 1980. Contributed significantly to the development of constitutional law and democratic governance in Greece. Actively participated in the Greek Resistance during World War II. Worked as a professor and published several works on political theory.

Continue Reading

François-Adrien Boieldieu

French composer and pianist of operas
Born
December 16th, 1775 249 years ago
Died
October 8th, 1834 190 years ago — 58 years old

A prominent French composer of the 19th century, contributed significantly to the operatic repertoire. Best recognized for operas, particularly 'La dame blanche' which premiered in 1825. Also composed several concertos and chamber works that highlighted the capabilities of the piano. Active during a period of transition in French opera, blending elements of traditional French operatic style with influences from Italian opera. Played a significant role in the development of the opéra-comique, which integrated spoken dialogue with music. His work was widely performed in France and beyond, earning a reputation among contemporaries.

Continue Reading

John Monash

Australian engineer and World War I general
Born
June 27th, 1865 159 years ago
Died
October 8th, 1931 93 years ago — 66 years old

An influential military leader and engineer, played a significant role during World War I. Served as a general in the Australian Imperial Force, contributing to strategic innovations that shaped modern warfare. Led forces in notable battles including the Battle of Hamel and the Hundred Days Offensive. After the war, focused on public works projects and infrastructure development in Victoria. His strategies and methods became a blueprint for future military operations.

Continue Reading

Larry Semon

American actor and director of silent films
Born
February 9th, 1889 136 years ago
Died
October 8th, 1928 96 years ago — 39 years old

Born in 1889, this individual was an influential figure in early American cinema, particularly in the silent film era. Starting as a comedy actor, the career expanded into producing, directing, and screenwriting. Semon became known for his slapstick style, which resonated well with audiences of the time. His most notable work includes the film 'The Wizard of Oz' (1925), where he took the lead role and contributed to its direction. Throughout the 1920s, he was one of the highest-paid actors in Hollywood and directed several of his films, which showcased a unique combination of humor and elaborate visual gags.

Continue Reading

Phyllis Calvert

English actress in film and television
Born
February 18th, 1915 110 years ago
Died
October 8th, 2002 22 years ago — 87 years old

Began a career in acting in the late 1930s, often starring in British films. Gained prominence during the 1940s, particularly in the theatrical adaptation of 'The Corn is Green' and films such as 'We Are the Angels' and 'The Irresponsible.' Participated in stage productions and maintained a presence on television, appearing in series like 'The Adventures of the Scarlet Pimpernel.' Continued to work in entertainment until her retirement in the 1980s, contributing significantly to the industry throughout her career.

Continue Reading