John Cotton

Theologian and Puritan minister

John Cotton - Thinkers & Philosophers born December 4th, 1585
Born
Died
Category

Thinkers & Philosophers

Country

United States

Links & References

Born in England, a prominent minister and theologian, contributed significantly to the Puritan movement. Served as the pastor of Boston's First Church, influencing the early settlement in New England. Advocated for religious freedom and the establishment of a theocratic government based on Puritan principles. Emphasized covenant theology and the importance of a personal relationship with God in his sermons and writings. Migrated to America in search of religious liberty, playing a key role in the development of the Massachusetts Bay Colony's religious landscape.

Pastored Boston's First Church

Wrote influential theological works

Other People Born on December 4th

Joe Corbett

Baseball player and coach in MLB
Born
December 4th, 1875 150 years ago
Died
May 2nd, 1945 81 years ago — 69 years old

Played as a pitcher in Major League Baseball. Competed for teams including the New York Giants and the Philadelphia Phillies. Transitioned to a coaching role after his playing career. Coached various minor league teams following his retirement, contributing to the development of upcoming players.

Continue Reading

Andy Hess

American bass player for Gov't Mule
Born
December 4th, 1966 59 years ago

Bass player contributed to the formation of the rock band Gov't Mule in 1994. Collaborated with various artists across genres, showcasing versatility in performances. Played on multiple albums, enhancing the band's sound and appeal. Participated in numerous tours and live performances, gaining a reputation within the jam band scene.

Continue Reading

Jean Chapelain

French poet and literary critic
Born
December 4th, 1595 430 years ago
Died
February 22nd, 1674 352 years ago — 78 years old

A prominent figure in 17th-century French literature, contributed to the development of French poetry and criticism. Served as a member of the French Academy, influencing literary standards of the time. Wrote the epic poem 'La Pucelle', which gained attention for its themes and form. Championed a new approach to the poetic structure that emphasized clarity and elegance.

Continue Reading

Peta Hiku

Rugby league player, New Zealand national team
Born
December 4th, 1992 33 years ago

Played professional rugby league primarily as a centre and fullback. Started career with the Warriors in the NRL before moving to the Penrith Panthers. Represented New Zealand in international competitions. Secured a spot on the Kiwis for the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.

Continue Reading

Fred Armisen

Actor and musician on 'SNL' and 'Portlandia'
Born
December 4th, 1966 59 years ago

An American actor and musician, notable contributions include work as a cast member on 'Saturday Night Live' from 2002 to 2013 and co-creator of the television series 'Portlandia.' Additionally, served as the band leader for 'Late Night with Seth Meyers' and participated in various musical projects. The style often blends sketch comedy with social commentary.

Continue Reading

Alex Delvecchio

Ice hockey player and coach
Born
December 4th, 1931 94 years ago

Played as a center for the Detroit Red Wings in the National Hockey League (NHL) from 1950 to 1973. Captained the team during his final eight seasons. Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1979. Served as a coach for the Red Wings and worked in various management roles within the organization. Left a legacy as one of the franchise's all-time greats.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on December 23rd

Otto Schoetensack

German anthropologist and academic
Born
July 12th, 1850 176 years ago
Died
December 23rd, 1912 113 years ago — 62 years old

An anthropologist and academic, contributed significantly to the study of prehistoric humans and their tools. Conducted research that focused on the analysis of ancient artifacts. Participated in excavations that brought forth important findings in the field of anthropological study. Published works that advanced understanding of human evolution and prehistoric life.

Continue Reading

Maurice Hayes

Irish educator and politician
Born
July 8th, 1927 99 years ago
Died
December 23rd, 2017 8 years ago — 90 years old

An educator and politician contributed to public life in Ireland. Served as a Senator and held significant roles in education administration. Played a key role in the establishment of the National University of Ireland, Maynooth, and worked on various educational reforms. Participated actively in political discourse and public service, influencing policy decisions in the education sector.

Continue Reading

Alfred G. Gilman

Pharmacologist and Nobel laureate
Born
July 1st, 1941 85 years ago
Died
December 23rd, 2015 10 years ago — 74 years old

A prominent pharmacologist and biochemist contributed significantly to the understanding of G-protein coupled receptors. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1994. Worked extensively at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, where research focused on intracellular signaling. Published numerous influential scientific papers that advanced the field of pharmacology.

Continue Reading

Irna Phillips

Screenwriter and soap opera creator
Born
July 1st, 1901 125 years ago
Died
December 23rd, 1973 52 years ago — 72 years old

An American screenwriter, played a vital role in the creation of the soap opera genre. Developed several popular series throughout the mid-20th century, including 'Guiding Light' and 'As the World Turns'. Pioneered the structure and storytelling methods used in daytime television. Introduced unique elements such as character-driven plots and ongoing storylines that became staples of the genre.

Continue Reading

Thomas Robert Malthus

Economist and scholar of population theory
Born
February 13th, 1766 260 years ago
Died
December 23rd, 1834 191 years ago — 68 years old

Born in 1766, a prominent English economist and scholar focused on population growth and resource scarcity. Malthus published 'An Essay on the Principle of Population' in 1798, which argued that population growth would always outpace food production, leading to inevitable shortages. His ideas propelled discussions on economics, social policy, and ecology, emphasizing the potential consequences of unchecked population increase. Malthus's theories laid the groundwork for future demographic studies and influenced various fields, including economics, sociology, and environmental science.

Continue Reading

Yao Wenyuan

Chinese politician and writer
Born
1931 95 years ago
Died
December 23rd, 2005 20 years ago — 74 years old

A prominent figure in the Chinese Cultural Revolution, held a key role as a member of the Gang of Four. Worked as a political theorist and author, significantly contributing to revolutionary literature. Played a part in formulating cultural policies and critiquing artistic expressions. After the fall of the Gang of Four, faced arrest and was later convicted of counter-revolutionary activities.

Continue Reading