Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben

Prussian-American military officer

Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben - Prussian-American military officer
Born

September 17th, 1730
294 years ago

Died

November 28th, 1794
230 years ago — 64 years old

Category

Military & Warriors

Country

United States

Links & References

A Prussian military officer played a critical role in training the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. Arriving in America in 1777, introduced rigorous military drills and discipline, which significantly improved the army's effectiveness. Appointed as Inspector General, implemented reforms that enhanced tactical operations. Played a key role at the Valley Forge winter encampment, where training led to notable successes in subsequent battles. Continued to serve the newly formed United States Army until retirement.

Trained the Continental Army at Valley Forge

Authored the 'Regulations for the Order and Discipline of the Troops of the United States'

Served as Inspector General of the Continental Army

Other People Born on September 17th

Tom Waddell

Baseball player and coach, MLB background
Born
September 17th, 1958 66 years ago
Died
2019 6 years ago — 61 years old

Born in 1958, a skilled baseball player participated in Major League Baseball, primarily as a catcher. After a career in MLB, transitioned to coaching, contributing to the development of younger athletes. Involved in community sports programs aimed at promoting baseball at the grassroots level.

Continue Reading

John Prideaux

English bishop and administrator
Born
September 17th, 1578 446 years ago
Died
1650 375 years ago — 72 years old

An English administrator and bishop, played a significant role in the religious and academic landscape of the 17th century. Served as the Bishop of Worcester and held the position of the Principal of Magdalen Hall, Oxford. Contributed to the Church of England's administrative framework during a time of considerable political and religious turmoil. Emphasized the importance of education and theological scholarship within the church.

Continue Reading

Bob Matsui

American lawyer and politician
Born
September 17th, 1941 83 years ago
Died
2005 20 years ago — 64 years old

A prominent politician, served as a U.S. Representative for California's 5th congressional district from 1993 until 2005. Played a key role in various congressional committees and focused on issues such as civil rights, education, and healthcare. Worked as a lawyer prior to entering politics, contributing to legal frameworks within California. Advocated for community development and fiscal responsibility during tenure in office.

Continue Reading

John Kucera

Canadian Alpine Ski Racer and Champion
Born
September 17th, 1984 40 years ago

A Canadian alpine ski racer specialized in downhill and super-G events. Competed in various World Cup seasons and achieved significant results, including a gold medal in the downhill at the 2009 World Championships in Val d'Isère, France. Made Olympic appearances, representing Canada in the 2006 and 2010 Winter Olympics. Experienced both successes and setbacks due to injuries throughout the career, but maintained a presence in competitive skiing during active years.

Continue Reading

Christian Lous Lange

Political Scientist, Nobel Prize Laureate
Born
September 17th, 1869 155 years ago
Died
December 11th, 1938 86 years ago — 69 years old

A Norwegian political scientist and historian, contributed significantly to the field of international relations. Served as a professor and held various academic positions, focusing on the development of the League of Nations. Became an influential figure in advocating for peaceful diplomacy and international cooperation. Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1921 for efforts promoting peace and understanding across nations. Engaged with numerous organizations dedicated to global peace initiatives throughout his career.

Continue Reading

Sophie Howard

Scottish footballer and defender
Born
September 17th, 1993 31 years ago

Played as a defender in women's football. Played for the Scottish national team and clubs including Glasgow City and West Ham United. Contributed to club successes in league competitions and earned caps representing Scotland in international matches.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on November 28th

Beyle Schaechter-Gottesman

Austrian-American poet and songwriter
Born
1920 105 years ago
Died
November 28th, 2013 11 years ago — 93 years old

A poet and songwriter, contributed significantly to Yiddish literature. Emigrated to the United States from Austria, where she had initially published poems and songs. Worked on reviving Yiddish cultural heritage through literature and music, focusing on themes relevant to Jewish life and experience. Collaborated with various organizations dedicated to Yiddish arts. Published several collections and had works featured in anthologies.

Continue Reading

Giovanni Francesco Grimaldi

Italian painter and architect, Capriccio
Born
1606 419 years ago
Died
November 28th, 1680 344 years ago — 74 years old

An Italian painter and architect, contributed significantly to the Baroque art movement during the 17th century. Worked mainly in Rome and is recognized for blending elements of architecture and landscape painting. Gained attention for intricate scenes that featured idealized landscapes filled with classical architecture. Often employed a delicate use of light and shadow. His style has been described as lyrical and poetic, influencing other artists and architects of his time.

Continue Reading

Hermann de Pourtalès

Swiss sailor and Olympic champion
Born
March 31st, 1847 178 years ago
Died
November 28th, 1904 120 years ago — 57 years old

Born in Switzerland, participated in sailing events during his athletic career. Competed in the 1900 Paris Olympics, where sailing was included for the first time. Achieved significant success, winning a gold medal in the 1 to 2 ton sailing class. Dedicated to the sport, contributed to the growth of competitive sailing in Switzerland, particularly in yacht racing.

Continue Reading

Prince Johnson

Liberian politician and warlord
Born
1952 73 years ago
Died
November 28th, 2024 0 years ago — 72 years old

Served as a prominent figure during the First Liberian Civil War in the 1990s, establishing a militia group known as the Independent National Patriotic Front of Liberia (INPFL). Led forces that captured then-President Samuel Doe in 1990. Transitioned into a political role following the war, winning a seat in the Senate of Liberia. Advocated for various political agendas and played a significant role in the post-war political landscape.

Continue Reading

James Naismith

Inventor of basketball and educator
Born
1861 164 years ago
Died
November 28th, 1939 85 years ago — 78 years old

A Canadian-American physician and educator created the sport of basketball in 1891 while striving to keep students active indoors during winter. The first game took place at the International YMCA Training School in Springfield, Massachusetts. Naismith developed the original 13 rules of the game, emphasizing skill and teamwork. He later became the first basketball coach at the University of Kansas, where he contributed to the growth of the sport at the collegiate level. His invention has since evolved into a global phenomenon with professional leagues and widespread participation.

Continue Reading

Erich von Hornbostel

Austrian musicologist and scholar
Born
February 25th, 1877 148 years ago
Died
November 28th, 1935 89 years ago — 58 years old

Contributions to musicology included pioneering studies in musical acoustics and ethnomusicology. Played a significant role in the development of the field, particularly through theoretical frameworks. Collaborated with various institutions and influential scholars, which advanced music research. Published numerous articles and essays that remain influential in music studies.

Continue Reading