Grant Wood
American painter known for American Gothic
An American painter and academic played a significant role in the development of Regionalism, a movement that focused on depicting rural American life. The most recognized artwork is the iconic painting 'American Gothic', which features a farmer and his daughter in front of a Gothic-style house. Wood’s work often reflected themes of American identity and Midwestern values. In addition to painting, he taught at the University of Iowa, influencing many younger artists. His artistic contributions established a distinctive American aesthetic during the early 20th century.
Created the painting 'American Gothic'
Contributed to the Regionalism art movement
Other People Born on February 13th
Donnie Moore
Baseball player, pitcher for Angels
Born
February 13th, 1954 71 years ago
Died
July 18th, 1989 36 years ago — 35 years old
Debuted in Major League Baseball in 1978, played as a pitcher primarily for the California Angels. Career spanned a decade, concluding in 1987. Appeared in 1986 postseason, contributing to the Angels' first playoff appearance in franchise history. Known for a notable performance in relief during the league championship series.
Continue ReadingHarold Mahony
Scottish-Irish tennis player, Wimbledon winner
Born
February 13th, 1867 158 years ago
Died
June 27th, 1905 120 years ago — 38 years old
Born in 1867, a tennis player competed in the late 19th century. Achieved significant recognition by winning the men's doubles title at Wimbledon in 1896 alongside partner Joshua Pim. The victory marked a key achievement in his career. Participated in various tennis competitions during a time when the sport was rapidly gaining popularity. Contributed to the development of tennis in Scotland and Ireland through participation in national events and tournaments.
Continue ReadingHeinrich Caro
Chemist with contributions to dye industry
Born
February 13th, 1834 191 years ago
Died
1910 115 years ago — 76 years old
Contributions largely focused on the development of synthetic dyes. Entered the dye business in 1850 and worked at the chemical factory of von der Leyen. Notably collaborated on the invention of aniline dyes. Made significant advancements in chemical processes and compounds during the 19th century. Later in life, served as a professor, imparting knowledge to future generations in the field of chemistry.
Continue ReadingRichard Blumenthal
American politician and attorney general
Born
February 13th, 1946 79 years ago
Served as the 23rd Attorney General of Connecticut from 1991 to 2011. Elected to the U.S. Senate in 2010, representing Connecticut. Held positions in law and government, focusing on consumer protection, public health, and veterans' issues. Attended Harvard College and Yale Law School. Before entering politics, practiced law and served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, achieving the rank of sergeant.
Continue ReadingChuck Yeager
US Air Force General and test pilot
Born
February 13th, 1923 102 years ago
Died
December 7th, 2020 5 years ago — 97 years old
A pioneering test pilot and U.S. Air Force general, achieved a significant milestone in aviation history by breaking the sound barrier in 1947. Yeager's flight aboard the Bell X-1, named Glamorous Glennis, marked the first time a human surpassed the speed of sound. Following this groundbreaking achievement, Yeager continued to contribute to the field of aviation through numerous test flights and military service during World War II and the Vietnam War. Later, he served as a key figure in aerospace research, sharing expertise with various aircraft programs.
Continue ReadingWilliam Shockley
Physicist and Nobel laureate in physics
Born
February 13th, 1910 115 years ago
Died
August 12th, 1989 36 years ago — 79 years old
An English-American physicist and academic, contributions included the invention of the transistor, which significantly advanced electronic technology. Affiliated with Stanford University, awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1956 along with John Bardeen and Walter Brattain for their roles in the development of the transistor. Later focused on controversial research related to genetics and intelligence.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on February 12th
Hennadiy Udovenko
Ukrainian diplomat and politician
Born
1931 94 years ago
Died
February 12th, 2013 12 years ago — 82 years old
Served as the second Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine from 1994 to 1998. Held important positions in Ukrainian politics and diplomacy following Ukraine's independence in 1991. Played a role in shaping Ukraine's foreign policy and promoting international relations during a transformative period for the country. Engaged in various diplomatic missions and participated in international organizations, contributing to Ukraine's visibility on the global stage.
Continue ReadingHassan al-Banna
Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood
Born
1906 119 years ago
Died
February 12th, 1949 76 years ago — 43 years old
An Egyptian educator established an influential organization aimed at promoting Islamic values and societal reform. This organization sought to address political and social issues facing Egypt and advocated for the implementation of Sharia law. Born in 1906, he founded the Muslim Brotherhood in 1928, which quickly gained traction and expanded its influence across the Arab world. Al-Banna emphasized social welfare and education while advocating for political activism among Muslims. His writings and speeches inspired a generation and laid the groundwork for future Islamic movements.
Continue ReadingHerman Dooyeweerd
Dutch philosopher known for legal philosophy
Born
1894 131 years ago
Died
February 12th, 1977 48 years ago — 83 years old
A philosopher emphasized the significance of the religious ground motive in philosophy and social science. Developed the concept of modal aspects, which explore the different ways in which reality can be understood. Authored works including 'A New Critique of Theoretical Thought' and contributed significantly to the discourse on ethics and philosophy of law. His ideas shaped the framework of reformational philosophy and influenced scholars in various disciplines.
Continue ReadingJames Cash Penney
American businessman, founder of J.C. Penney
Born
September 16th, 1875 150 years ago
Died
February 12th, 1971 54 years ago — 95 years old
Established J.C. Penney, a department store chain that became one of the largest in the United States. Focused on customer service and value. Penney's business philosophy emphasized fair prices and ethical practices. Expanded J.C. Penney to over 1,600 stores by the mid-20th century. Engaged in various philanthropic activities throughout life, contributing to education and health causes.
Continue ReadingKenneth Mars
American actor in 'The Producers'
Born
April 4th, 1935 90 years ago
Died
February 12th, 2011 14 years ago — 75 years old
An American actor and comedian, notable for roles in film and television, particularly in comedies. Gained prominence for performances in 'The Producers' as Franz Liebkind and 'Young Frankenstein' as Inspector Hans Wilhelm Fronkensteen. Appeared in multiple television series throughout his career, including a memorable role in 'Malcolm in the Middle' as the character of the grandfather. Earthy and eccentric characters often defined roles, showcasing a unique comedic style. Built a reputation for versatility in voice work as well, contributing to animated series and films.
Continue ReadingCharles M. Schulz
American cartoonist, created Peanuts
Born
November 26th, 1922 103 years ago
Died
February 12th, 2000 25 years ago — 77 years old
An American cartoonist developed the beloved comic strip Peanuts, which featured characters such as Charlie Brown and Snoopy. This strip, running from 1950 to 2000, became a cultural phenomenon, influencing generations and contributing to the popularity of comic strips in newspapers. The characters portrayed relatable human emotions and experiences, resonating with readers worldwide. Schulz's unique style and storytelling earned him widespread recognition in the comics industry and beyond. His work has been adapted into numerous animated specials and feature-length films, ensuring the legacy of Peanuts continued well after the strip's conclusion. The comic strip's impact on popular culture and the comic art form remains significant, with various remakes and merchandise showcasing its enduring appeal.
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