John Byng
British Admiral, Commodore Governor
An admiral and politician served as the 11th Commodore Governor of Newfoundland. Held the position during a period of significant naval operations and colonial governance. Engaged in various military campaigns which contributed to the strengthening of British naval presence. Executed strategies that influenced maritime provinces and colonial policies. His career came to an end due to a controversial court-martial resulting from losses in battle.
Served as 11th Commodore Governor of Newfoundland
Led naval operations in the North American colonies
Other People Born on October 29th
Abram Ioffe
Physicist and academic from Russia
Born
October 29th, 1880 145 years ago
Died
October 14th, 1960 65 years ago — 79 years old
Born in 1880, made significant contributions to the field of physics and was a prominent academic figure. Specialized in semiconductor physics and played a crucial role in the development of thermoelectricity. Served as a professor and director of the Institute of Physics and Technology in Leningrad. His research advanced the understanding of the properties of materials and had lasting influences on solid-state physics.
Continue ReadingYenny Wahid
Indonesian activist and politician
Born
October 29th, 1974 51 years ago
Born in Indonesia, involvement in political activism began at an early age. Focused on issues related to democracy, tolerance, and human rights. Has held various roles in organizations advocating for minority rights and women's empowerment. Played a significant role in promoting democratic values and engaged in efforts to combat extremism within the society. As a politician, served in the Indonesian parliament, representing progressive ideas and advocating for social justice.
Continue ReadingTakafumi Horie
Japanese businessman and Livedoor founder
Born
October 29th, 1972 53 years ago
A prominent Japanese entrepreneur, Livedoor was founded, which became known for its involvement in internet services and media. Horie gained attention in the early 2000s for his ambitious business ventures and innovative strategies in the tech industry. In 2006, legal issues arose concerning securities fraud and accounting irregularities, leading to a high-profile trial. Despite these challenges, Horie continued to be vocal about entrepreneurship in Japan and maintained a presence in various business ventures post-incarceration.
Continue ReadingKlaus Roth
Mathematician; Roth's theorem
Born
October 29th, 1925 100 years ago
Died
2015 10 years ago — 90 years old
A prominent British mathematician, contributed significantly to number theory and combinatorics. Developed Roth's theorem, which is a fundamental result in Diophantine approximation. After earning a doctorate under the supervision of Hans Rademacher, published several influential papers in the mid-20th century. Held academic positions at various institutions, including University College London and the University of Pennsylvania. His work continues to influence research in mathematics.
Continue ReadingVonetta Flowers
Bobsledder and Olympic gold medalist
Born
October 29th, 1973 52 years ago
A prominent bobsledder and former track athlete, achieved success in both sports. Transitioned from a collegiate track and field career in sprints and jumps to bobsledding. Competed in the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, becoming the first African American woman to win a gold medal in the Winter Games. Established a significant presence in bobsledding after completing a successful career in track and field.
Continue ReadingTracee Ellis Ross
Actress and producer in comedy series
Born
October 29th, 1972 53 years ago
An actress and producer, gained prominence for starring in the television series 'Black-ish' and 'Girlfriends'. Received multiple awards, including a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy. Active in producing and promoting diverse representations in media, she has also hosted various award shows and events.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on March 14th
Frederick Henry
Prince of Orange, military leader
Born
January 29th, 1584 441 years ago
Died
March 14th, 1647 378 years ago — 63 years old
Born in 1584, this individual served as the Prince of Orange and was a key military leader during the Eighty Years' War. He played a significant role in the conflict between the Dutch and Spanish forces. As a commander, his strategic acumen contributed to several important victories that bolstered the Dutch cause in their fight for independence. In addition to military efforts, he also engaged in political affairs, advocating for the establishment of a stable government in the newly formed Dutch Republic. His leadership helped to solidify the power of the House of Orange within the emerging Dutch state.
Continue ReadingPierre Schoendoerffer
French film director and screenwriter
Born
1928 97 years ago
Died
March 14th, 2012 13 years ago — 84 years old
A French director and screenwriter primarily focused on war films. Notable works include the acclaimed film 'The 317th Platoon' which depicted the experiences of French soldiers during the First Indochina War. Schoendoerffer served in the French army as a war correspondent, providing firsthand accounts of the conflicts he portrayed on screen. His unique perspective brought authenticity to his films and helped to shape the narrative around the experiences of soldiers in difficult circumstances.
Continue ReadingZita of Bourbon-Parma
Empress of Austria and Queen of Hungary
Born
May 9th, 1892 133 years ago
Died
March 14th, 1989 36 years ago — 96 years old
Held the title of Empress of Austria and Queen of Hungary, serving during a tumultuous time marked by World War I. Zita became the last Empress of Austria and Queen of Hungary from the House of Habsburg. After the defeat of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1918, went into exile alongside her family. Spent years in Switzerland and other countries before returning to Austria for a visit in 1987. Died in 1989 at the age of 96, remembered for her commitment to her family's legacy and work during crises.
Continue ReadingBen Shahn
Painter and illustrator, focused on social themes
Born
September 12th, 1898 127 years ago
Died
March 14th, 1969 56 years ago — 70 years old
A Lithuanian-American painter and educator, this individual was active in the 20th century and contributed significantly to American art. His works often reflected social issues and historical events. He illustrated many books and taught at various institutions, influencing a generation of artists and students. His style incorporated elements of realism and modernism, often aiming to provoke thought regarding societal matters. The artist's murals adorned public buildings, and his pieces have been exhibited in numerous galleries and museums across the United States.
Continue ReadingCharlie Daly
Irish Republican executed in 1923
Born
1896 129 years ago
Died
March 14th, 1923 102 years ago — 27 years old
A member of the Irish Republican Army, participated in the Irish War of Independence against British rule. Rejected the authority of the Irish Free State, opposing the Anglo-Irish Treaty. Alongside three others, was captured and executed by Free State forces in March 1923 during the civil conflict that followed the treaty's ratification. His execution highlighted the divisions within Ireland and cemented his status as a martyr for the republican cause.
Continue ReadingStephen Hawking
Theoretical physicist and author
Born
January 8th, 1942 83 years ago
Died
March 14th, 2018 7 years ago — 76 years old
A theoretical physicist and cosmologist, contributed significantly to the fields of general relativity and quantum gravity, particularly in the context of black holes. Achieved widespread recognition through the publication of 'A Brief History of Time', which made complex scientific concepts accessible to the general public. Held the Lucasian Professorship of Mathematics at the University of Cambridge for over 30 years, influencing the next generation of physicists. Despite living with a debilitating motor neuron disease, continued to advance research in theoretical physics and engaged in public science communication.
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