John Newton
English priest and hymn writer

Born
July 24th, 1725
300 years ago
Died
December 21st, 1807
217 years ago — 82 years old
Category
Activists & Humanitarians
Country
United Kingdom
Links & References
Served as a sailor in the slave trade before converting to Christianity and becoming an Anglican priest. Authored the hymn 'Amazing Grace' which remains popular in Christian worship. Played a significant role in the abolitionist movement in Britain, advocating against slavery and sharing personal experiences to highlight its moral implications. Newton spent years emphasizing reconciliation and forgiveness through his ministry, influencing many with his teachings.
Authored the hymn 'Amazing Grace'
Advocated against slavery in Britain
Other People Born on July 24th
Arthur Richardson
An Australian cricketer and later a coach, made significant contributions to the sport of cricket. Played for Tasmania in domestic matches and represented Australia in international competitions. Transitioned to coaching after retirement, dedicating time to developing upcoming cricketers. Helped to shape the future of cricket through coaching roles at various levels.
Continue ReadingAzim Premji
A prominent Indian businessman and philanthropist, led Wipro Limited, transforming it into one of the largest IT services companies in the world. Following the passing of his father, took over the family business in 1966, diversifying from vegetable oil to IT by the 1980s. Played a significant role in shaping India's IT sector and established the Azim Premji Foundation, focusing on education and social development. Contributed extensively to various philanthropic endeavors, enhancing educational resources for underprivileged communities across India.
Continue ReadingP. S. Soosaithasan
Served as a member of the Sri Lankan Parliament representing the Tamil United Liberation Front. Contributed to the discussions and legislative processes impacting the Tamil community in Sri Lanka. Held various positions within the accounting profession, helping to establish standards and practices within the field. Engaged in political activities aimed at advocating for the rights and welfare of Tamils during a period of significant civil strife in the country.
Continue ReadingEnrique Fernando
A Filipino lawyer and jurist served as the 13th Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines from 1973 to 1986. Played a significant role in pivotal legal reforms during his tenure. Contributed to the judiciary's independence in a period marked by political challenges and upheaval. Oversaw several key cases that shaped Philippine law and governance.
Continue ReadingFrances Oldham Kelsey
A pharmacologist and physician, contributed significantly to drug safety regulations. Conducted extensive reviews of thalidomide in the early 1960s while working at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Refused to approve the drug for use in the United States due to concerns about its safety for pregnant women. Her decision prevented thousands of potential birth defects, leading to increased scrutiny and reform in drug approval processes.
Continue ReadingDoug Bollinger
Debuted in international cricket in 2005, competing primarily as a fast bowler. Represented Australia in all formats of the game, achieving significant recognition during his career. Played in multiple Test matches, One Day Internationals, and Twenty20 Internationals. Notable for his impressive wicket-taking abilities and impactful performances in domestic cricket leagues.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on December 21st
John Eisenhower
Served as the 45th United States Ambassador to Belgium from 1969 to 1971. Held the rank of Brigadier General in the U.S. Army and contributed to military history through writing and research. Authored several books on military history, including a biography of his father, Dwight D. Eisenhower. Had a career in diplomacy and military service that spanned decades.
Continue ReadingAbu Al-Asar Hafeez Jullundhri
A prominent poet and composer, contributed significantly to Urdu literature. Best recognized for composing 'Qaumi Taranah', the national anthem of Pakistan, which was adopted in 1954. Jullundhri's work in poetry celebrated the culture and identity of Pakistan, influencing generations. His poetry often reflected themes of patriotism and national pride.
Continue ReadingBerthold von Henneberg
Served as the Archbishop of Mainz from 1500 until death in 1504. Held a significant role during the early stages of the Reformation. Contributed to the political and religious landscape of the Holy Roman Empire. Participated in various religious assemblies and was involved in the administration of church properties. Influenced the appointment of various clergy and had a notable impact on ecclesiastical affairs.
Continue ReadingThomas the Apostle
Thomas served as one of the twelve apostles of Jesus. He is traditionally associated with missionary work in India, where he is credited with founding several churches. His martyrdom is believed to have occurred in India, where he was killed for his faith. He is often depicted as a figure of doubt due to his initial skepticism about Jesus' resurrection but later affirmed his belief. His contributions to early Christianity established him as a significant figure in the spread of the faith.
Continue ReadingEdwin G. Krebs
A prominent figure in biochemistry contributed to understanding the regulation of enzymes and cellular processes. Conducted research on the protein kinase cascade and discovered reversible protein phosphorylation. This research laid the foundation for the field of signal transduction in cells. Held a faculty position at the University of Washington for many years and served as chair of the biochemistry department. Received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1992 for work on signal transduction in cells.
Continue ReadingFriedrich August von Quenstedt
Contributed significantly to geology and palaeontology during the 19th century. Worked extensively on the classification of fossils, particularly from the Jurassic period. Authored several pivotal works, including the influential treatise 'Die Gesteine Württembergs', detailing the geology of Württemberg. His research focused on the stratigraphy and fossil records, establishing foundational concepts in the study of prehistoric life.
Continue Reading