George Washington Gale Ferris Jr.
Engineer, inventor of the Ferris wheel
Born
Died
Category
Scientists & Innovators
Country
United States
Links & References
An American engineer developed the Ferris wheel, a landmark amusement ride that debuted at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. The structure aimed to surpass the Eiffel Tower as a symbol of innovation and engineering prowess. The Ferris wheel featured 36 cars, each capable of holding up to 60 passengers, providing an unprecedented view of the exposition and the surrounding city. This invention represented a significant achievement in civil engineering and design, leading to a new genre of large-scale attractions at fairs and amusement parks.
Designed and built the first Ferris wheel
Debuted the Ferris wheel at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition
Other People Born on February 14th
Benjamin Baillaud
French astronomer and academic
Born
February 14th, 1848 178 years ago
Died
July 8th, 1934 91 years ago — 86 years old
An astronomer and academic contributed significantly to the study of celestial mechanics and astrometry. Served as the director of the Paris-Meudon Observatory and played a pivotal role in the establishment of the International Astronomical Union. Authored numerous scientific papers and textbooks, particularly focusing on the motion of celestial bodies and observatory techniques. Engaged in educating future astronomers and enhancing observational methods.
Continue ReadingPhilippe Senderos
Swiss footballer and defender
Born
February 14th, 1985 41 years ago
A central defender, represented Switzerland at multiple international tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup and UEFA European Championship. Played for several clubs, with significant contributions at Arsenal, where part of the squad that reached the UEFA Champions League final in 2006. Later played for clubs such as Milan and Fulham, continuing to demonstrate defensive skills throughout a professional career spanning over a decade.
Continue ReadingGregory Hines
Actor and dancer known for 'White Nights'
Born
February 14th, 1946 80 years ago
Died
August 9th, 2003 22 years ago — 57 years old
Born in 1946, this individual gained prominence as a multifaceted performer specializing in dance and acting. Contributed to the revival of tap dancing in the 1980s and 1990s. Performed in various television shows and films, showcasing exceptional talent. Starred in the Broadway musical 'Eubie!' and earned a Tony Award for Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical. Featured in the film 'White Nights' alongside Mikhail Baryshnikov, which highlighted extraordinary dance sequences. Continued to influence the arts until passing in 2003.
Continue ReadingLucas Hernandez
French footballer, 2018 World Cup champion
Born
February 14th, 1996 30 years ago
Lucas Hernandez is a professional footballer. He began his career at Atlético Madrid, where he won multiple titles including the UEFA Europa League. His performances earned him a spot on the French national team. In 2018, he played a key role in France's victory at the FIFA World Cup, contributing to the team's success with strong defensive skills. Following his time at Atlético, he transferred to Bayern Munich, solidifying his reputation as a top defender in European football.
Continue ReadingChristopher Latham Sholes
American politician and typewriter inventor
Born
February 14th, 1819 207 years ago
Died
February 17th, 1890 136 years ago — 71 years old
An influential figure in American publishing, contributed to the development of the typewriter. Served as a politician in the Wisconsin State Legislature. Developed a practical version of the modern typewriter, which led to widespread use in offices and homes. The QWERTY keyboard layout, designed to reduce jamming in early typewriters, was established through this innovation. Efforts in publishing included founding the first newspaper in Wisconsin.
Continue ReadingEugene Fama
Economist and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
February 14th, 1939 87 years ago
An economist made significant contributions to financial economics and asset pricing. Developed the efficient market hypothesis, asserting that asset prices reflect all available information. Served as a professor at the University of Chicago, influencing both academic research and practical financial modeling. His work laid foundational theories that shaped modern investment strategies and risk assessment.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on November 22nd
Stu Ungar
Professional poker player and champion
Born
1953 73 years ago
Died
November 22nd, 1998 27 years ago — 45 years old
A professional poker player achieved significant success in the game, winning the World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event three times. First victory came in 1980, followed by wins in 1981 and 1997, establishing a legacy in competitive poker. Demonstrated an exceptional talent for the game, sometimes drawing comparisons to chess grandmasters because of strategic thinking. Also excelled in gin rummy before turning to poker, leaving a mark on both card games. His life was marked by personal struggles, particularly with addiction, which ultimately affected career longevity and health.
Continue ReadingSalahuddin Quader Chowdhury
Bangladeshi politician and political leader
Born
1949 77 years ago
Died
November 22nd, 2015 10 years ago — 66 years old
A prominent Bangladeshi politician, active in national politics for several decades. Held the position of a member of parliament and served in various governmental roles. Was a significant figure in the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Participated in numerous political movements and was involved in both supporting and opposing significant political changes within the country. His political career spanned many challenges and controversies, particularly related to issues of governance and national identity.
Continue ReadingPaul Motian
Jazz drummer and composer
Born
1931 95 years ago
Died
November 22nd, 2011 14 years ago — 80 years old
A prominent jazz drummer and composer, contributed significantly to the evolution of modern jazz. Worked with influential musicians such as Bill Evans and Keith Jarrett. Led own ensembles and created music blending influences from various genres. Developed a unique style characterized by a shift from traditional rhythm patterns to more unconventional approaches, allowing for greater improvisational freedom.
Continue ReadingLynn Margulis
Biologist known for symbiotic theory
Born
March 5th, 1938 88 years ago
Died
November 22nd, 2011 14 years ago — 73 years old
A biologist and academic with significant contributions to evolutionary biology, studied the role of symbiosis in the development of complex life forms. Developed the endosymbiotic theory, proposing that mitochondria and chloroplasts originated from free-living prokaryotic organisms that were engulfed by ancestral eukaryotic cells. Published numerous works including the influential book 'Symbiotic Planet' which detailed the importance of cooperation and synergy in evolution. Served as a professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and received various accolades for contributions to scientific understanding.
Continue ReadingAli Ahsan Mohammad Mojaheed
Bangladeshi politician and leader
Born
1948 78 years ago
Died
November 22nd, 2015 10 years ago — 67 years old
Served as a prominent political figure in Bangladesh. Held the position of Secretary General of the Jamaat-e-Islami party. Participated in national politics for several decades, advocating the party's platform and policies. Engaged in various political activities and was involved in multiple controversies during his career. Mojaheed's political journey included opposition to the Awami League and support for anti-independence efforts during the Bangladesh Liberation War. Ended life in 2015 after being convicted of war crimes.
Continue ReadingSterling Holloway
Voice actor in Disney films
Born
January 14th, 1905 121 years ago
Died
November 22nd, 1992 33 years ago — 87 years old
An American actor voiced characters in animated films. Contributed to classic Disney productions during the mid-20th century. Roles included the titular character in 'Winnie the Pooh' and the Cheshire Cat in 'Alice in Wonderland'. Career spanned several decades from the 1920s onwards, featuring in both film and television.
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