José Mariano Salas
Mexican General and Politician
Served as a general in the Mexican Army and held the position of President of Mexico for a brief period in the 19th century. Salas played a significant role during the tumultuous times of the post-independence era, contributing to various military campaigns. Assumed the presidency in 1859, leading the nation during a critical period in its history. His political career extended through various military confrontations and government roles, reflecting the challenges faced by Mexico in the aftermath of independence.
Served as President of Mexico in 1859
Led the Mexican Army during conflicts
Other People Born on May 11th
Johann Friedrich Blumenbach
Physician and anthropologist
Born
May 11th, 1752 273 years ago
Died
January 22nd, 1840 186 years ago — 87 years old
A prominent German physician, physiologist, and anthropologist. Blumenbach significantly contributed to the fields of anthropology and physiology in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. He established a classification system that categorized human races based on skull shape, which played a foundational role in biological anthropology. A key figure in the development of comparative anatomy, he studied various physical characteristics of human populations. His work on the variation of human skulls led to the understanding of racial diversity and human classification. Blumenbach also authored several influential texts that addressed topics in medicine and biology, alongside his contributions to the understanding of human variation and species.
Continue ReadingJeremy Paxman
Journalist and author, host of Newsnight
Born
May 11th, 1950 75 years ago
A British journalist and author, recognized for work on the BBC current affairs program Newsnight, where the tenure spanned two decades. Contributed to the portrayal of political events and historical documentaries through literature and broadcasting. Engaged viewers with incisive interviewing techniques and deep political analysis. Authored several books, including historical works and explorations of British culture.
Continue ReadingCatherine Bauer Wurster
Architect and public housing advocate
Born
May 11th, 1905 120 years ago
Died
November 21st, 1964 61 years ago — 59 years old
Significant contributions to architecture included the design and advocacy for public housing in the United States. Played an influential role in shaping policies around urban development and affordable housing. Served as a board member of the American Institute of Architects and contributed to the Federal Housing Administration's guidelines. Participated in the formulation of the United States Housing Act of 1949, which aimed to provide decent housing for all Americans.
Continue ReadingLise de Baissac
SOE agent during World War II
Born
May 11th, 1905 120 years ago
Died
March 29th, 2004 22 years ago — 98 years old
Born in Mauritius, worked as a secret agent for the Special Operations Executive during World War II. Entered occupied France in 1943, where she conducted espionage and sabotage missions. Took part in various operations to disrupt German forces and support the Resistance. Played a role in coordinating the intelligence of the Allies, contributing to the overall war effort. After the war, shifted focus to humanitarian efforts.
Continue ReadingBobi
Portuguese dog with longest lifespan
Born
May 11th, 1992 33 years ago
Died
October 21st, 2023 2 years ago — 31 years old
Bobi was a domestic dog recognized for achieving the longest verified lifespan of any dog. Born in 1992 in Portugal, Bobi lived for over 31 years, surpassing the previous record for oldest dog. Bobi's life spanned multiple decades, witnessing significant changes in the world and becoming a beloved figure in his community and beyond.
Continue ReadingJosip Štolcer-Slavenski
Croatian composer with classical works
Born
May 11th, 1896 129 years ago
Died
November 30th, 1955 70 years ago — 59 years old
Contributed significantly to Croatian classical music. Studied music at various institutions and held teaching positions. Worked as a conductor and published compositions that reflected both national themes and modernist elements. Engaged in promoting Croatian music through educational initiatives and performances.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on December 24th
Charles Gondouin
Rugby player and tug of war competitor
Born
July 21st, 1875 150 years ago
Died
December 24th, 1947 78 years ago — 72 years old
Competed in rugby and tug of war at an elite level. Represented France in rugby union and was part of the national side during various championships. Achieved recognition in tug of war competitions, highlighting versatility in sports. Played a significant role in the development of both sports in France during the early 20th century.
Continue ReadingJosephine Sabel
American singer and comedian
Born
October 3rd, 1866 159 years ago
Died
December 24th, 1945 80 years ago — 79 years old
Born in 1866, this individual became a significant figure in American entertainment. Achieving popularity as a singer and comedian, performances blended humor with musical talent. This person frequently appeared on stage during the vaudeville era, captivating audiences with engaging acts and memorable songs. Known for vibrant performances, this individual played a key role in shaping early American entertainment culture.
Continue ReadingRobert Todd Lincoln Beckwith
American lawyer and farmer
Born
July 19th, 1904 121 years ago
Died
December 24th, 1985 40 years ago — 81 years old
Engaged in a legal career, served as a lawyer. Managed a family farm throughout life. Involved in activities preserving the legacy of Abraham Lincoln, including participation in various historical societies. Contributed to the management of the Lincoln family estate.
Continue ReadingJohns Hopkins
Philanthropist, Founder of Johns Hopkins University
Born
May 19th, 1795 230 years ago
Died
December 24th, 1873 152 years ago — 78 years old
A businessman and philanthropist established a university and hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. After amassing significant wealth through the wholesale mercantile business, dedicated a substantial portion of the fortune to charitable causes. The university, founded in 1876, became the first in the United States to implement a graduate school. Also contributed to the establishment of the Johns Hopkins Hospital, recognized as a pioneer in medical education and research.
Continue ReadingCharles Lock Eastlake
English painter and art historian
Born
November 17th, 1793 232 years ago
Died
December 24th, 1865 160 years ago — 72 years old
A prominent figure in Victorian art, he specialized in landscape and historical painting. He served as the Director of the National Gallery in London from 1855 to 1865. Eastlake was also an influential art critic and wrote extensively on art and painting techniques. His writings contributed to the understanding and appreciation of various artists and movements during the 19th century. Notably, he made significant contributions to the critique of Old Masters and the promotion of contemporary British art. His approach to art history combined both academic rigor and accessible writing, impacting art education and appreciation.
Continue ReadingWilliam Makepeace Thackeray
English author of Vanity Fair
Born
July 18th, 1811 214 years ago
Died
December 24th, 1863 162 years ago — 52 years old
An English author and poet, recognized for wit and social commentary. The most notable work includes 'Vanity Fair', a novel depicting English society during the early 19th century. Thackeray's writing often focused on themes of morality and class distinctions. He also edited and contributed to various periodicals, gaining popularity through serialized works. Born in Calcutta, India, Thackeray was educated in England, where he began his career as an illustrator before shifting to literature. His narratives often employed a satirical tone, shedding light on the hypocrisies of society.
Continue Reading