Hijikata Toshizō
Japanese military commander and rebel leader
Born in 1835, he served as the vice commander of the Shinsengumi during the late Edo period. The Shinsengumi was a special police force formed to protect the Tokugawa shogunate. He played a crucial role in various battles during the Boshin War, which was a civil war between imperial and shogunate forces. Hijikata's leadership helped shape the resistance against the Meiji Restoration, aiming to preserve the samurai way of life. He died in 1869 at the Battle of Hakodate, marking the end of the Shinsengumi.
Served as vice commander of the Shinsengumi
Fought in the Boshin War
Died during the Battle of Hakodate
Other People Born on May 31st
Marlies Schild
Austrian alpine ski racer and champion
Born
May 31st, 1981 44 years ago
An alpine ski racer specialized in slalom, competed for Austria. Achieved great success in the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup, securing multiple victories throughout her career. Won the World Cup slalom title in 2010 and 2011. Also earned medals at World Championships, including a gold medal in slalom in 2011. Retired from competitive skiing in 2017.
Continue ReadingMatthew Lodge
Australian rugby league player
Born
May 31st, 1995 30 years ago
Played as a prop in rugby league. Represented the Sydney Roosters in the National Rugby League (NRL) and later played for the New Zealand Warriors. Debuted in the NRL in 2015 and gained attention for his performances on the field. Experienced both challenges and successes throughout his career, including a suspension in 2019 impacting his reputation. Returned to the game demonstrating resilience and determination.
Continue ReadingMac Suzuki
Japanese baseball player, MLB pitcher
Born
May 31st, 1975 50 years ago
This individual played professional baseball as a pitcher, making a significant mark in Major League Baseball (MLB). After starting a career in Japan, played for the Yokohama BayStars in Nippon Professional Baseball before transitioning to MLB. Debuted in 1999 with the Seattle Mariners and later played for the Kansas City Royals. Known for adept pitching skills, competed at the highest level of the sport and contributed to team success during tenure in the league.
Continue ReadingBrandon Smith
New Zealand rugby league player
Born
May 31st, 1996 29 years ago
A rugby league player from New Zealand, Smith achieved recognition for playing as a hooker. Initially represented the Melbourne Storm in the NRL, contributing to the team's 2017 and 2020 premiership victories. Later joined the New Zealand Warriors, continuing to showcase skills on the field and playing a key role in the team's performance.
Continue ReadingNormani Kordei Hamilton
American singer with 'Worth It'
Born
May 31st, 1996 29 years ago
Born in 1996, a singer gained prominence as a member of the girl group Fifth Harmony, which formed on the reality television show The X Factor in 2012. The group released hit songs including 'Worth It' and 'Work from Home' and achieved significant commercial success. Following the group's hiatus, embarked on a solo career. Released the single 'Motivation' in 2019, which showcased vocal abilities and performance skills. Recognized for a blend of pop and R&B influences, the artist has established a distinct presence in the music industry.
Continue ReadingLudwig Tieck
German author and romantic poet
Born
May 31st, 1773 252 years ago
Died
April 28th, 1853 173 years ago — 79 years old
A significant figure in German literature, contributed to the Romantic movement through poetry, prose, and plays. His works often explored themes of imagination and the supernatural. Wrote fairy tales and influenced later writers with his critical essays. Collaborated with contemporaries such as E.T.A. Hoffmann and contributed to literary journals. His most notable works include 'The Old Town', 'The Pictures of the Past', and various translations of Shakespeare.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on June 20th
Horace Lindrum
Australian snooker champion and player
Born
1912 114 years ago
Died
June 20th, 1974 51 years ago — 62 years old
An accomplished snooker player from Australia, won the World Professional Snooker Championship in 1952. Achieved significant success in both national and international competitions. Played a key role in popularizing snooker during the mid-20th century. Enjoyed a lengthy career that highlighted exceptional skills and techniques.
Continue ReadingSuzanne Comhaire-Sylvain
Haitian anthropologist and cultural researcher
Born
1898 128 years ago
Died
June 20th, 1975 50 years ago — 77 years old
An influential figure in Haitian anthropology, extensive research focused on the culture and social structures of Haitian society. Contributed significantly to understanding the historical and cultural context of Haiti through field studies. Comhaire-Sylvain emphasized the importance of folklore and oral traditions in shaping national identity. Worked to document and analyze the complexity of Haitian culture, bridging local knowledge and academic research. Her writings highlighted the nuances of Haitian social life and contributed to the preservation of cultural heritage.
Continue ReadingIngvar Rydell
Swedish footballer and national team player
Born
1922 104 years ago
Died
June 20th, 2013 12 years ago — 91 years old
A professional footballer from Sweden, Rydell played as a forward. He had a significant career at Hammarby IF and participated in international competitions representing the Swedish national team. Rydell's contributions were evident in both domestic leagues and international matches, showcasing skills that contributed to team successes.
Continue ReadingCaleb Swanigan
Basketball player and NCAA standout
Born
1997 29 years ago
Died
June 20th, 2022 3 years ago — 25 years old
Played college basketball at Purdue University, leading the team to significant success during the 2016-2017 season and earning the Big Ten Player of the Year award. Selected 26th overall in the 2017 NBA Draft by the Portland Trail Blazers, competed in the NBA for several seasons. Additionally, had a strong impact during his time at Purdue, showcasing notable skills both offensively and defensively. Faced various challenges throughout life, including health issues, before his passing in 2022.
Continue ReadingProdigy
Rapper with Mobb Deep acclaim
Born
November 2nd, 1974 51 years ago
Died
June 20th, 2017 8 years ago — 42 years old
An American rapper and member of the hip-hop duo Mobb Deep. Achieved acclaim through the group's landmark album 'The Infamous' released in 1995. Mobb Deep gained prominence in the 1990s for their gritty lyrics and beats, becoming essential figures in the East Coast hip-hop scene. Contributed to the genre through collaborations with various artists and a solo career. Prodigy's distinctive voice and lyrical prowess influenced many emerging rappers.
Continue ReadingJack Kilby
Engineer, Nobel Prize-winning inventor
Born
November 8th, 1923 102 years ago
Died
June 20th, 2005 20 years ago — 81 years old
An American physicist and engineer developed the first integrated circuit in 1958, which laid the groundwork for modern electronics. This innovation significantly advanced computing technology and contributed to the growth of the semiconductor industry. In 2000, received the Nobel Prize in Physics for his contributions to the invention of the integrated circuit. Collaborated with Texas Instruments during his career, further innovating in the fields of electronics and computing. Participated in various engineering projects and contributed to the development of handheld electronic devices.
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