John Deere
Blacksmith and founder of Deere & Company
Born
Died
Category
Scientists & Innovators
Country
United States
Links & References
A blacksmith and businessman established a brand recognized for agricultural machinery. Pioneered the creation of a plow that efficiently tilled the tough Midwestern soil, leading to significant advancements in farming techniques. Founded Deere & Company in 1837, which became one of the largest manufacturers of agricultural equipment in the world. The business model emphasized high-quality products and customer service, contributing to the growth of modern agriculture.
Founded Deere & Company in 1837
Developed the self-scouring steel plow
Other People Born on February 7th
Mickaël Piétrus
Basketball player and NBA champion
Born
February 7th, 1982 44 years ago
A professional basketball player associated with the NBA, played primarily as a shooting guard and small forward. Started professional career in France before joining the NBA. Played for teams including the Golden State Warriors, Orlando Magic, and Phoenix Suns. Achieved significant success with the Orlando Magic, contributing to the team's run to the NBA Finals in 2009.
Continue ReadingGiuseppe Baresi
Italian footballer and manager
Born
February 7th, 1958 68 years ago
Played as a defender for A.C. Milan and the Italian national team. Transitioned to management after retiring as a player. Served as a coach for youth teams and had stints as a manager in various clubs. Represented Italy in international competitions during the 1980s. Helped Milan secure several Serie A titles and achieve European success.
Continue ReadingNicanor Abelardo
Filipino pianist and composer of 'Bituin'
Born
February 7th, 1893 133 years ago
Died
1934 92 years ago — 41 years old
Born in 1893, a prominent Filipino composer and pianist contributed significantly to the development of traditional and contemporary Philippine music. Known for blending Western classical influences with Filipino folk elements, compositions spanned various genres including kundimans and symphonic works. Served as a music teacher, influencing generations of students. Abelardo played a vital role in the creation of the Philippine Academy of Music, which fostered local talent. His notable work, 'Bituin', is celebrated as one of the most beloved songs in the Philippines.
Continue ReadingTrey Hardee
American decathlete and world champion
Born
February 7th, 1984 42 years ago
Competed in the decathlon, achieving notable success on the international stage. Won the gold medal at the 2009 World Championships in Athletics, setting a personal best of 8,790 points. Participated in the Olympic Games, competing in 2008 and 2012. Established a reputation for athletic versatility and strength across multiple track and field events.
Continue ReadingLee Ok-sung
South Korean boxer, world champion titleholder
Born
February 7th, 1981 45 years ago
Competed professionally in boxing, securing the WBC minimum weight title. Achieved a significant career milestone by defending the championship successfully and gaining recognition in the sport. Participated in various notable matches that contributed to a prominent career in boxing. Retired with a record representing a mix of victories and losses.
Continue ReadingAlan Lancaster
Bass Player and Songwriter for Status Quo
Born
February 7th, 1949 77 years ago
Died
2022 4 years ago — 73 years old
Born in England and later based in Australia, a prominent bass player and songwriter contributed significantly to the rock band Status Quo. The band became notable for its distinctive sound and energetic performances. Gained recognition through numerous chart-topping hits and enduring popularity, especially during the 1970s and 1980s. Participated in many successful albums and tours, solidifying the band’s legacy in rock music. Continues to be remembered for the musical contributions made during an influential era in rock history.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on May 17th
Walasse Ting
Painter and poet, known for vibrant works
Born
October 13th, 1929 96 years ago
Died
May 17th, 2010 15 years ago — 80 years old
Born in China in 1929, a painter and poet relocated to the United States, where a successful career unfolded. Known for colorful works that reflect elements of both Eastern and Western influences. His painting style integrated bright colors and bold strokes, capturing the essence of contemporary art. Contributions comprised not only visual art but also poetry, showcasing a unique blend of imagery and text. Achievements included numerous exhibitions across the United States and Europe, along with a prominent presence in the New York art scene during the mid-20th century. In later years, continued to create art until death in 2010.
Continue ReadingLeopold Auenbrugger
Austrian physician and inventor of percussion
Born
November 19th, 1722 303 years ago
Died
May 17th, 1809 216 years ago — 86 years old
A physician developed the technique of percussion for diagnosing diseases. This innovation transformed clinical practices. Initial experiments involved using his own chest as a model to demonstrate the value of tapping and feeling the chest wall to gather diagnostic information. The technique was outlined in a treatise published in 1761, which laid the groundwork for modern physical examination methods. The work emphasized the importance of systematic observation in medicine and was influential in the fields of internal medicine and diagnostics.
Continue ReadingAbe Burrows
Playwright and director: 'Guys and Dolls'
Born
December 18th, 1910 115 years ago
Died
May 17th, 1985 40 years ago — 74 years old
An author and playwright who contributed significantly to American theater. Early works included 'Coney Island' and 'The Guy Who Came Back'. Achieved acclaim with the musical 'Guys and Dolls', which won the Tony Award for Best Musical. Also wrote the book for the musical 'How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying', which garnered the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Established a reputation for witty dialogue and engaging narratives.
Continue ReadingErnest Nash
Photographer and scholar of photography
Born
September 14th, 1898 127 years ago
Died
May 17th, 1974 51 years ago — 75 years old
Born in Germany and later residing in Italy, a prominent photographer and scholar dedicated to the study and documentation of photography. Contributed significantly to the understanding of photographic techniques and the history of photography. Held academic positions to teach and share knowledge of visual arts. Produced numerous works that explored the interplay between photography and society. Nash's research included a focus on the evolution of photographic practices across different cultures.
Continue ReadingArmand-Emmanuel de Vignerot du Plessis
French general and politician, Duc de Richelieu
Born
September 25th, 1766 259 years ago
Died
May 17th, 1822 203 years ago — 55 years old
Served as the 2nd Prime Minister of France during the Restoration period. Held the position of general, taking on various military responsibilities. Managed significant political changes, including the navigation of post-Napoleonic France. Engaged in revitalizing the French economy and established relationships with foreign powers.
Continue ReadingLi Maozhen
Chinese warlord and king
Died
May 17th, 924 1101 years ago — None years old
Li Maozhen served as a powerful warlord and king during the late Tang dynasty. He established control over the region of Shuzhou in what is now Sichuan province. His reign was marked by significant military and political maneuvers aimed at maintaining autonomy amid the fragmented power structure of the dynasty. Li claimed the title of king and held sway over the local populace through both military force and political alliances. His authority extended until his death in 924, a period characterized by the disintegration of centralized power in China.
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