Heinrich Harrer
Austrian mountaineer and author
Austrian mountaineer, geographer, and author participated in the first ascent of the north face of the Eiger in 1938. During World War II, captured by British forces, escaped from a prisoner of war camp in India and traveled to Tibet. In Tibet, lived for several years and became a close associate of the 14th Dalai Lama. Authored several books, with 'Seven Years in Tibet' achieving significant popularity and leading to a film adaptation in 1997. Harrer's explorations in Tibet contributed to western knowledge about the region and its culture.
First ascent of the Eiger's north face
Escape from a WWII POW camp
Authored 'Seven Years in Tibet'
Other People Born on July 6th
Susannah Mushatt Jones
American supercentarian with longevity record
Born
July 6th, 1899 126 years ago
Died
2016 10 years ago — 117 years old
Born in 1899, lived for 116 years, becoming the oldest verified living person in 2016. Resided in Harlem, New York City, and maintained a focus on family and community throughout life. Celebrated her birthday with various events that highlighted her long life and experiences. Received media attention for her thoughts on longevity and healthy living practices.
Continue ReadingEarle S. MacPherson
Engineer, creator of MacPherson strut
Born
July 6th, 1891 134 years ago
Died
1960 66 years ago — 69 years old
An American engineer, contributed significantly to automotive suspension design. Developed the MacPherson strut, which became a standard in front suspension systems due to its efficiency and simplicity. The design enhanced vehicle handling, comfort, and manufacturing ease. Worked for the Nash-Kelvinator Corporation and was instrumental in the development of several automobile models. The MacPherson strut design is still widely used in various car brands.
Continue ReadingErik Wickberg
Swedish General of The Salvation Army
Born
July 6th, 1904 121 years ago
Died
1996 30 years ago — 92 years old
Served as the 9th General of The Salvation Army from 1963 to 1969. Played a significant role in the organization’s international leadership, promoting its mission of salvation and social service. Oversaw various humanitarian initiatives and expanded the Army’s outreach programs during tenure. Advocated for community support and social action aligned with the Church's values.
Continue ReadingEdward Kenna
Victoria Cross recipient from Australia
Born
July 6th, 1919 106 years ago
Died
2009 17 years ago — 90 years old
Born in Australia in 1919, served in the Second World War. Distinguished military service included significant bravery in battle. Awarded the Victoria Cross for gallantry, the highest honor for valor in the British and Commonwealth armed forces. Post-war, became involved in various community activities.
Continue ReadingGeorge Armstrong
Canadian ice hockey player and coach
Born
July 6th, 1930 95 years ago
Died
November 1st, 2000 25 years ago — 70 years old
Played as a right winger in the National Hockey League (NHL) primarily for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Captained the Maple Leafs during their winning run in the 1960s, leading the team to four Stanley Cup championships. Transitioned into coaching after retirement and contributed to the development of young players in various programs. Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in recognition of accomplishments in professional ice hockey.
Continue ReadingJeannie Seely
Country music singer-songwriter, Grammy winner
Born
July 6th, 1940 85 years ago
Born in 1940, a country music singer-songwriter and member of the Grand Ole Opry. Achieved significant recognition in the country music scene, beginning a career that spanned several decades. Gained prominence with the hit 'Don't Touch Me', which marked a peak in the country charts. Played a crucial role in the Nashville music community, contributing to the evolution of the genre. Received a Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance, solidifying a legacy within country music.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on January 7th
André Maginot
French politician and military leader
Born
February 17th, 1877 148 years ago
Died
January 7th, 1932 94 years ago — 54 years old
Served as a French sergeant and later entered politics. Worked on defense matters, which led to the establishment of the Maginot Line, a series of fortifications along the French-German border. Focused on strengthening national security in response to the threats posed by Germany in the interwar period. The defense system was constructed in the 1920s and 1930s and aimed to protect France from potential invasions.
Continue ReadingHenri Schwery
Swiss cardinal, served in the Vatican
Born
1932 94 years ago
Died
January 7th, 2021 5 years ago — 89 years old
Served as a cardinal in the Roman Catholic Church. Held the position of Bishop of Sion from 1990 until retirement in 2006. Participated in the papal conclave of 2005 that elected Pope Benedict XVI. Contributed to various aspects of church governance and engaged in ecumenical dialogues throughout his career.
Continue ReadingEdmund Barton
Australian politician and judge
Born
January 18th, 1849 177 years ago
Died
January 7th, 1920 106 years ago — 70 years old
Served as the first Prime Minister of Australia from 1901 to 1903. Played a pivotal role in the federation of Australia, advocating for the unification of the six colonies into a single nation. Prior to his political career, served as a judge on the High Court of Australia. Also contributed to the establishment of the Australian Constitution.
Continue ReadingMufti Mohammad Sayeed
Indian politician and Home Minister
Born
January 12th, 1936 90 years ago
Died
January 7th, 2016 10 years ago — 79 years old
A prominent Indian lawyer and politician served as the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir twice. Initially, played a significant role in the formation of the Jammu and Kashmir People's Democratic Party in 1999. Held office as the Minister of Home Affairs in the Indian government. Championed various policies during his tenure and was instrumental in advocating for regional autonomy and development in Jammu and Kashmir.
Continue ReadingJudith Kaye
American lawyer and jurist, Chief Judge
Born
1938 88 years ago
Died
January 7th, 2016 10 years ago — 78 years old
Served as Chief Judge of the New York Court of Appeals from 1993 to 2008, becoming the first woman to hold this position. Prior to this role, served as an associate judge on the court starting in 1983. Contributed significantly to the reform of the legal system in New York. Worked as the first female judge on New York's highest court and earned respect for various rulings, particularly in areas regarding civil rights and family law. Advocated for the enhancement of the state's judicial system.
Continue ReadingPope Innocent X
Catholic Pope during the 17th century
Born
1574 452 years ago
Died
January 7th, 1655 371 years ago — 81 years old
Served as Pope from 1644 until death in 1655. Oversaw significant events including the trial of Galileo Galilei regarding heliocentrism. Addressed political matters of the Thirty Years' War with efforts to mediate peace. Strengthened the power of the papacy and its influence in European politics. Commissioned art and architecture projects in Rome, further elevating the city's status as a center of Catholicism.
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