Hans Merensky

Geologist and philanthropist

Hans Merensky - Geologist and philanthropist
Born

March 16th, 1871
154 years ago

Died

October 21st, 1952
72 years ago — 81 years old

Category

Scientists & Innovators

Country

South Africa

Links & References

Contributed significantly to geology and mining in South Africa. Conducted geological surveys and mapped mineral resources, particularly in the Bushveld Igneous Complex. Advocated for education and established schools and libraries in rural areas. Founded the Merensky Trust to support education and cultural development.

Conducted extensive geological surveys

Mapped the Bushveld Igneous Complex

Founded the Merensky Trust

Other People Born on March 16th

Kenny Dykstra

Professional wrestler and WWE superstar
Born
March 16th, 1986 39 years ago

Competed in professional wrestling, starting career in 2004. Gained prominence in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) as a member of the Spirit Squad, a tag team known for its cheerleader gimmick. Achieved success in tag team competition, often participating in high-profile matches. After leaving WWE, continued to work on independent wrestling circuits and made appearances in various promotions. Known for athletic ability and charisma in the ring.

Continue Reading

Amar Singh I

Ruler of Mewar, known for his legacy
Born
March 16th, 1559 466 years ago
Died
January 26th, 1620 405 years ago — 60 years old

Ascended to the throne of Mewar in 1597 and ruled until 1620. Strengthened Mewar’s position against Mughal influence. Engaged in military campaigns to protect the kingdom's independence, building alliances with surrounding regions. Contributed to the cultural richness of the region during his reign, promoting arts and architecture, including the development within Udaipur.

Continue Reading

Jerry Lewis

Comedian and actor from 'The Nutty Professor'
Born
March 16th, 1926 99 years ago
Died
August 20th, 2017 7 years ago — 91 years old

An American actor and comedian, prominent during the mid-20th century. Achievements include co-starring with Dean Martin in a successful comedy duo. Transitioned to a solo career, featuring in numerous films. A well-regarded work includes 'The Nutty Professor,' showcasing his talent for physical comedy and character transformation. In addition to film, significant contributions were made to television, with several successful specials and shows. Lewis also directed several of his films, further establishing his influence in film production and comedy.

Continue Reading

Conrad Nagel

American actor in silent films
Born
March 16th, 1897 128 years ago
Died
February 24th, 1970 55 years ago — 72 years old

Acclaimed American actor emerged in the silent film era, transitioning successfully to talkies. Achieved significant success with roles in films such as 'The Love Trap' and 'The Last of Mrs. Cheyney'. Contributed to the entertainment industry as a film director and producer in later years. Worked extensively in both film and radio, showcasing versatility across media. Recognized for talent in various roles that captivated audiences during the early to mid-20th century.

Continue Reading

Matthew Flinders

English navigator and cartographer
Born
March 16th, 1774 251 years ago
Died
July 19th, 1814 210 years ago — 40 years old

Famous for significant contributions to the mapping of Australia, including the first complete map of the continent's coastline. Born in 1774, dedicated to exploration and navigation, completed extensive surveys of the Australian coast. Flinders' circumnavigation of Australia in the ship 'Investigator' advanced knowledge of the country's geography. His writings on the land and its characteristics were influential during his time and remain notable.

Continue Reading

Camilo Castelo Branco

Portuguese novelist and playwright
Born
March 16th, 1825 200 years ago
Died
1890 135 years ago — 65 years old

A prominent novelist and playwright from Portugal, contributed significantly to 19th-century literature. Published over 200 works, including novels, short stories, and plays. Themes often revolved around social issues, love, and tragedy. Established a unique literary style that combined realism with romanticism. Also engaged in journalism and involved in various literary circles. His most notable work is 'Amor de Perdição', a tragic love story that garnered critical acclaim and remains a staple of Portuguese literature.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on October 21st

Ōtani Yoshitsugu

Japanese samurai and military leader
Born
1558 467 years ago
Died
October 21st, 1600 424 years ago — 42 years old

Ōtani Yoshitsugu served as a samurai during the late Sengoku period in Japan. He was a prominent figure in the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600, where he commanded troops loyal to Tokugawa Ieyasu. His actions during this pivotal battle contributed to the establishment of the Tokugawa shogunate. Despite his efforts, Yoshitsugu's side was defeated, and he ultimately met his fate in the battle. His life exemplified the loyalty and struggles of samurai during a tumultuous period in Japanese history.

Continue Reading

Samuel Foote

English actor and playwright
Born
1720 305 years ago
Died
October 21st, 1777 247 years ago — 57 years old

An actor and playwright, contributions included numerous comedic plays that featured sharp social commentary. Foote became a prominent figure in London's theatrical scene, gaining recognition for his performances at the Theatre Royal, Haymarket. He was also a member of the elite society known as the 'Man of the Town', who engaged in acts of satire and parody. His talent for imitating prominent personalities added to his acclaim, and his works often addressed contemporary issues, influencing comedic theatre. One of his most celebrated works, 'The Mayor of Garratt', showcased his wit and creativity, further solidifying his legacy in the world of drama.

Continue Reading

Shannon Hoon

Singer-songwriter and guitarist of Blind Melon
Born
September 26th, 1967 57 years ago
Died
October 21st, 1995 29 years ago — 28 years old

A singer-songwriter and guitarist, contributed to the alternative rock scene in the early 1990s as the lead vocalist of Blind Melon. The band gained significant popularity with the release of their self-titled debut album in 1992, which included the hit single 'No Rain.' The song received extensive radio play and became a defining track of the decade. Hoon's distinctive voice and emotive lyrics resonated with audiences, establishing him as a notable figure in the music industry. The band's second album, 'Soup,' released in 1995, continued to showcase Hoon's talents. Hoon's struggles with substance abuse were publicly documented, and despite a promising career, his life was cut short in 1995 at the age of 28.

Continue Reading

A. Ayyappan

Indian poet and translator
Born
1949 76 years ago
Died
October 21st, 2010 14 years ago — 61 years old

This individual was an influential Indian poet and translator, contributing significantly to Malayalam literature. Born in 1910, extensive work included translations of significant literary works from various languages into Malayalam. Played a vital role in promoting Malayalam as a literary language. Worked as an editor for several publications, enhancing literary discourse in the region. The contribution to poetry encompassed themes of nature, love, and social issues.

Continue Reading

Dorothy Hale

American actress in theatre and film
Born
1905 120 years ago
Died
October 21st, 1938 86 years ago — 33 years old

Gained prominence in the 1930s through performances in stage productions and films. Appeared in notable works such as 'The Show of Shows' and 'The Golden Cuckoo'. Involved in the theatre scene in New York City, collaborated with prominent playwrights. Died at a young age, leaving behind a legacy in American theater and cinema.

Continue Reading

Jim Garrison

American Lawyer and Judge, JFK Conspiracy
Born
November 20th, 1921 103 years ago
Died
October 21st, 1992 32 years ago — 70 years old

A prominent American lawyer and judge, served as the district attorney for Orleans Parish from 1962 to 1974. Garrison gained notoriety for investigating the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Led a controversial prosecution against New Orleans businessman Clay Shaw, alleging participation in a conspiracy to assassinate Kennedy. Garrison's findings and his subsequent trial received significant media attention and sparked extensive debate regarding the assassination.

Continue Reading