Helen Jacobs
American tennis player and commander
This individual achieved prominence in the tennis world, becoming one of the top players in the late 1920s and early 1930s. A two-time Grand Slam singles champion, with victories at the 1936 French Open and the 1939 U.S. Open, competition included matchups against other leading players of the era. After an extensive career in tennis, transitioned to military service during World War II, reaching the rank of commander in the Waves, the women's branch of the U.S. Naval Reserve. This shift from sports to service marked a significant phase of commitment to the country.
Won the 1936 French Open singles title
Secured the 1939 U.S. Open singles championship
Served as a commander in the U.S. Naval Reserve
Other People Born on August 6th
Charles Fort
American author of anomalous phenomena
Born
August 6th, 1874 151 years ago
Died
May 3rd, 1932 93 years ago — 57 years old
An American author and researcher focused on unexplained phenomena, contributions included the investigation of fortuitous events and anomalies. Authored several books that compiled odd occurrences, such as 'The Book of the Damned', which examined anomalies dismissed by science. Influence extended to modern skeptics and paranormal enthusiasts, popularizing the collection of strange and unexplained events. Founded the term 'anomalist' to describe those studying non-conventional topics.
Continue ReadingJean-Baptiste Bessières
French general, battled during Napoleonic Wars
Born
August 6th, 1768 257 years ago
Died
May 1st, 1813 212 years ago — 44 years old
Served as a general in the French Army during the Napoleonic Wars. Played a significant role in various military campaigns, demonstrating strategic prowess on the battlefield. Attained the rank of Marshal of France in recognition of military achievements. Politically involved, contributed to the reforms during the Consulate and the First French Empire.
Continue ReadingMatthew Parker
English Archbishop and reformer
Born
August 6th, 1504 521 years ago
Died
May 17th, 1575 450 years ago — 70 years old
Served as the Archbishop of Canterbury from 1559 until death, leading the Church of England during the Elizabethan era. Oversaw the establishment of the Book of Common Prayer and supported religious reform in line with Protestant principles. Played a vital role in the Elizabethan Religious Settlement, which shaped the direction of the Church of England. Contributed to the development of Anglican theology and church governance, while also engaging in scholarly work, including the editing of early texts and biblical manuscripts.
Continue ReadingLouise de La Vallière
Mistress of Louis XIV of France
Born
August 6th, 1644 381 years ago
Died
1710 315 years ago — 66 years old
Born in France, a prominent figure during the reign of Louis XIV. Became the king's first official mistress in 1661 and held the position for over a decade. Inspired numerous works of art and literature, representing the ideals of loyalty and sacrifice. In 1674, she entered a convent, dedicating her life to religion and reflecting on her past. Contributed to the French court's social fabric, influencing courtly love dynamics.
Continue ReadingSamuel Bowers
White supremacist and KKK leader
Born
August 6th, 1924 101 years ago
Died
2006 19 years ago — 82 years old
Co-founded the White Knights of the Ku Klux Klan during the civil rights movement. Bowers played a significant role in the Klan's activities in the southern United States, particularly in Mississippi. His leadership was marked by the promotion of white supremacist ideologies and violent actions against African Americans and civil rights activists. Bowers was implicated in the killings of civil rights workers and was later convicted for his involvement in racially motivated crimes.
Continue ReadingLuc de Clapiers
French author and philosopher
Born
August 6th, 1715 310 years ago
Died
May 28th, 1747 278 years ago — 31 years old
Born in 1715, one of the notable figures of French literature in the 18th century, produced a body of work that reflected on human nature and morality. Focused on the intricacies of the human experience, authored several essays and letters which explored themes of pride, friendship, and social conduct. Despite a career cut short by ill health, left a lasting legacy through the philosophical insights present in writings. Works contributed to the discourse on Enlightenment thought and the nature of society, influencing later generations of thinkers.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on June 2nd
Irwin Rose
Biologist and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
July 16th, 1926 99 years ago
Died
June 2nd, 2015 10 years ago — 88 years old
A prominent biologist and academic, contributed to the understanding of protein degradation. Developed the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway, which is essential for cellular regulation. Received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2004 for discovering how cells regulate protein levels. Served as a professor and mentor, influencing future generations of scientists. Held significant positions in various academic institutions throughout the career.
Continue ReadingMario Bernardi
Canadian pianist and conductor
Born
August 20th, 1930 95 years ago
Died
June 2nd, 2013 12 years ago — 82 years old
A pianist and conductor, significant contributions were made to the Canadian music scene. Led the National Arts Centre Orchestra for many years, enhancing its profile and quality. Conducted numerous orchestras globally, including the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Collaborated with many distinguished soloists and ensembles, promoting classical music through performances and recordings.
Continue ReadingAndrés Segovia
Legendary Spanish classical guitarist
Born
February 21st, 1893 132 years ago
Died
June 2nd, 1987 38 years ago — 94 years old
A prominent classical guitarist, contributed significantly to the promotion of the guitar as a concert instrument. Developed new techniques that expanded the musical capabilities of the guitar. Established a vast repertoire for the instrument, arranging works by composers such as Bach and Albeniz. Performed globally, influencing generations of guitarists and audiences alike.
Continue ReadingTed a'Beckett
Australian cricketer and lawyer
Born
August 11th, 1907 118 years ago
Died
June 2nd, 1989 36 years ago — 81 years old
Played cricket for Victoria and represented Australia in Test matches. Participated in 11 Test matches from 1931 to 1938. Also worked as a lawyer after his cricketing career, contributing to legal practices in Australia.
Continue ReadingLou Gehrig
Baseball player; 'Iron Horse' of the Yankees
Born
June 19th, 1903 122 years ago
Died
June 2nd, 1941 84 years ago — 37 years old
Played first base for the New York Yankees from 1923 to 1939. Established himself as one of the greatest players in Major League Baseball history. Achieved a batting average of .340 over his career, with 493 home runs and 1,995 RBIs. Helped lead the Yankees to six World Series championships. Awarded the American League MVP in 1927. His career was tragically cut short by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, now commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig's disease, leading to a legacy of sportsmanship and resilience.
Continue ReadingLeRoy Ellis
Professional basketball player, NBA champion
Born
March 10th, 1940 85 years ago
Died
June 2nd, 2012 13 years ago — 72 years old
A basketball player made significant contributions to the sport during the 1960s and 1970s. Played college basketball at the University of Louisville before being selected in the 1962 NBA Draft. Competed predominantly as a center, playing for teams such as the Los Angeles Lakers and the Portland Trail Blazers. Achieved an NBA championship title in 1977 with the Trail Blazers, contributing to the team’s successful playoff run. Known for solid performance in both regular season and postseason play, leaving a mark in the league during his tenure.
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