Herman Hollerith

Statistician and founder of IBM

Herman Hollerith - Statistician and founder of IBM
Born

1860
165 years ago

Died

November 17th, 1929
95 years ago — 69 years old

Category

Scientists & Innovators

Country

United States

Links & References

An American statistician and businessman developed a punch card system for the 1890 U.S. Census that significantly reduced processing time. This invention led to the establishment of the Tabulating Machine Company, which later became part of IBM. Hollerith's innovations laid the groundwork for modern data processing and statistical analysis.

Developed a punch card system for the 1890 U.S. Census

Founded the Tabulating Machine Company

Patented numerous inventions related to data processing

Other People Who Died on November 17th

Thomas Ford

English viol player and composer
Born
1580 445 years ago
Died
November 17th, 1648 376 years ago — 68 years old

A viol player, composer, and poet active during the early 17th century, contributions to music included a variety of consort music, particularly for the viol. Published works collected music for viols and voiced madrigals. His compositions often reflected the style of the late Renaissance and early Baroque periods. Notable collections include 'Musicke of Sundrie Kindes.'

Continue Reading

Thomas Pelham-Holles

Politician and Prime Minister of Great Britain
Born
July 21st, 1693 331 years ago
Died
November 17th, 1768 256 years ago — 75 years old

Became the 1st Duke of Newcastle in 1715, served as Prime Minister of Great Britain from 1754 to 1756. Contributed to government policies during the Seven Years' War while in office. Played a significant role in managing parliamentary affairs and maintaining the support of key political factions. Held several important positions in government, including Secretary of State and Leader of the House of Lords. His political career was marked by efforts to strengthen the Whig Party's influence in British politics.

Continue Reading

Elizabeth of Hungary

Queen and Saint of Hungary, philanthropist
Born
July 7th, 1207 817 years ago
Died
November 17th, 1231 793 years ago — 24 years old

Born in 1207, a Hungarian princess, dedicated life to charitable works. Married to the Landgrave of Thuringia, served the poor and sick during her lifetime. After her husband's death, she continued her philanthropy, building hospitals and caring for the ill. After her death in 1231, she was canonized by the Catholic Church in 1235 due to her significant charitable contributions and piety. Recognized as a patron saint of the poor, her legacy endures in various forms of devotion and veneration.

Continue Reading

Yitzhak Lamdan

Russian-Israeli journalist and poet
Born
November 7th, 1899 125 years ago
Died
November 17th, 1954 70 years ago — 55 years old

Born in Russia, Lamdan was a poet and journalist who played a significant role in the development of Hebrew literature. Emigrating to Palestine in 1925, he became involved in the cultural and political life of the Jewish community. His poetry often reflected themes of nationalism and the struggles of the Jewish people. Lamdan also worked as a journalist, providing critical insights into the socio-political issues of his time. His contributions to literature and journalism positioned him as a prominent figure in early 20th-century Hebrew culture.

Continue Reading

James McCune Smith

African-American physician and author
Born
April 18th, 1813 211 years ago
Died
November 17th, 1865 159 years ago — 52 years old

Born in 1813, a pioneering African-American physician and apothecary practiced medicine in New York City. Received a medical degree from the University of Glasgow, becoming the first African American to earn a medical degree in the United States. Actively participated in abolitionist movements and published works addressing social issues, including healthcare disparities and racial inequality. Contributed significantly to the discourse on race and medicine in the 19th century.

Continue Reading

Reginald Pole

English cardinal and influential scholar
Born
1500 525 years ago
Died
November 17th, 1558 466 years ago — 58 years old

An English cardinal and academic, played a significant role in the religious and political landscape of the 16th century. Educated at Oxford and later at the University of Padua, became a leading figure in the Catholic Church during the English Reformation. Served as a papal legate and was a key opponent of Henry VIII's break from the Catholic Church. Was appointed Archbishop of Canterbury but did not have the opportunity to fulfill this role. Broke with the established church to promote Catholic teachings throughout England, contributing to the counter-Reformation efforts in Europe. Authored several works on theology and philosophy, which influenced contemporary religious thought.

Continue Reading