Jim Inhofe
U.S. Senator and military officer
Served as a United States Senator from Oklahoma from 1994 to 2021, holding the position of Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. Previously served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1987 to 1994. Completed a Bachelor's degree in economics and served in the U.S. Army as a second lieutenant. Engaged in various legislative initiatives related to national defense and environmental policies. Retired from the Senate in January 2021.
Led Senate Environment and Public Works Committee
Served in U.S. Army as second lieutenant
Other People Born on November 17th
Sima Guang
Chinese historian and politician
Born
November 17th, 1019 1006 years ago
Died
October 11th, 1086 939 years ago — 66 years old
A prominent Song dynasty historian and politician. Played a significant role in the compilation of historical works. Authored the historical text 'Zizhi Tongjian,' which provides a comprehensive account of Chinese history from the Warring States to the Song dynasty. Served as a high-ranking official in government, contributing to political discourse and decision-making. Actively engaged in political affairs and governance.
Continue ReadingNicolas Appert
Chef, inventor of canning technique
Born
November 17th, 1749 276 years ago
Died
1841 185 years ago — 92 years old
Started career as a chef and gained recognition in France. Developed the canning process in response to a challenge from the French government to preserve food for the military. Demonstrated the method in 1809, which involved sealing food in glass jars and heating them to eliminate spoilage. This innovation laid the foundation for the modern food preservation industry.
Continue ReadingRem Koolhaas
Architect known for Seattle Central Library
Born
November 17th, 1944 81 years ago
A prominent Dutch architect and academic, contributed significantly to contemporary architecture through innovative designs and theoretical work. Founded the Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA), which has been influential in redefining architectural practices. Received the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 2000, recognizing a career marked by a series of impactful projects and writings, including the book 'Delirious New York'. Designed notable buildings across the globe, emphasizing urbanism and the implications of contemporary life.
Continue ReadingPierre Gaultier de Varennes
Canadian explorer and commander
Born
November 17th, 1685 340 years ago
Died
December 5th, 1749 276 years ago — 64 years old
Born in 1685, an explorer and commander explored parts of North America including the Mississippi River and Michigan. His expeditions contributed to the French colonial efforts in North America. He played a significant role in the establishment of French settlements and trade routes. His leadership in exploring the Great Lakes region opened new opportunities for European settlements in the area.
Continue ReadingGotthilf Heinrich Ernst Muhlenberg
Botanist and American pastor
Born
November 17th, 1753 272 years ago
Died
May 23rd, 1815 211 years ago — 61 years old
An influential pastor and botanist who contributed significantly to the field of botany. Specialized in the classification of North American plants and is often referred to as the father of American botany. Worked extensively on flora cataloging and provided descriptions of numerous plant species. His work laid foundational knowledge for future botanists and enhanced scientific understanding of North American ecosystems.
Continue ReadingArman
French-American painter and sculptor
Born
November 17th, 1928 97 years ago
Died
October 22nd, 2005 20 years ago — 76 years old
Born in November 1928, a significant figure in the Nouveau Réalisme movement. Emigrated to the United States in the 1960s and became influential in the development of contemporary art. Utilized found objects and mass-produced items to create assemblages and sculptures. Explored themes of consumerism, destruction, and the passage of time through distinctive artistic practices.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on July 9th
Bill Mosienko
Ice hockey player; set scoring record
Born
November 2nd, 1921 104 years ago
Died
July 9th, 1994 31 years ago — 72 years old
Played for the Chicago Blackhawks in the National Hockey League. Achieved notoriety for scoring three goals in just 21 seconds during a single game against the New York Rangers on March 23, 1952. Also contributed as a coach after retiring from playing. Represented Canada in international competitions, including the World Championships.
Continue ReadingIgnacio Carrera Pinto
Chilean lieutenant and military leader
Born
February 5th, 1848 178 years ago
Died
July 9th, 1882 143 years ago — 34 years old
Born in Chile in 1848, a lieutenant in the Chilean army gained prominence during the War of the Pacific. Played a key role in several battles, leading troops with distinction. Contributed to strategic military decisions that shaped key outcomes in the conflict. Remembered for bravery and leadership in challenging circumstances, ultimately sacrificing life in combat.
Continue ReadingKing Camp Gillette
Businessman and founder of Gillette
Born
January 5th, 1855 171 years ago
Died
July 9th, 1932 93 years ago — 77 years old
Born in 1855, established the Gillette razor company in 1901, revolutionizing personal grooming with safety razors. Introduced the concept of razor blade cartridges, changing the industry standard and market dynamics. The affordability and convenience of the product made shaving accessible to a broader audience, leading to widespread adoption. Expanded the brand significantly, making it a household name in the United States and globally.
Continue ReadingSigrid Holmquist
Swedish actress in silent films
Born
1899 127 years ago
Died
July 9th, 1970 55 years ago — 71 years old
Acted primarily in silent films during the early 20th century. Achievements include a prominent role in the film 'Kärleken och tiden' released in 1920. Contributed to the Swedish cinema scene and was part of the growing film industry during that era. Worked in various productions and garnered attention for performances in a time when film was still a new medium.
Continue ReadingGeorges Bataille
French philosopher and novelist
Born
September 10th, 1897 128 years ago
Died
July 9th, 1962 63 years ago — 64 years old
Born in France, a prominent figure in philosophy and literature emerged, engaging deeply with themes of eroticism, mysticism, and the limits of experience. Published numerous works including 'The Story of the Eye' and 'The Accursed Share', which explored the intersections of eroticism, sacrifice, and economic thought. Contributed to the Surrealist movement and later distanced from it, establishing a unique philosophical voice. Edited the influential journal 'Documents', which aimed to challenge conventional narratives and embrace a radical worldview.
Continue ReadingThomas McKean Thompson McKennan
American lawyer and Secretary of the Interior
Born
March 31st, 1794 232 years ago
Died
July 9th, 1852 173 years ago — 58 years old
Served as the 2nd United States Secretary of the Interior from 1849 to 1850. Participated in the establishment of policies regarding land management and Native American affairs in the early years of the department. Before this role, engaged in various legal practices and held significant positions within the government of Pennsylvania, contributing to state legislation and the justice system.
Continue Reading