Kate Douglas Wiggin
Author of 'Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm'
An American author and educator, contributed significantly to children's literature. Best recognized for 'Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm', published in 1903, which depicted the life and adventures of a spirited young girl. Wiggin also founded the first free kindergarten in San Francisco, emphasizing the importance of early childhood education. Her writing often reflected themes of childhood innocence and the joys of rural life.
Authored 'Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm'
Founded the first free kindergarten in San Francisco
Other People Born on September 28th
Hiranuma Kiichirō
Japanese Prime Minister and lawyer
Born
September 28th, 1867 158 years ago
Died
1952 74 years ago — 85 years old
Served as the 35th Prime Minister of Japan from 1939 to 1940. Had a legal background, contributing to various legal reforms during the Taishō and Shōwa eras. Played a crucial role in national politics during a turbulent period in Japanese history.
Continue ReadingAugustus FitzRoy
Prime Minister of Great Britain
Born
September 28th, 1735 290 years ago
Died
March 14th, 1811 214 years ago — 75 years old
Served as Prime Minister of Great Britain from 1768 to 1770, overseeing a period marked by political instability. Managed the government during the early stages of the American Revolutionary War. Facilitated legislative measures and attempted to maintain British interests in the American colonies, facing significant challenges due to colonial unrest. Held the title of 3rd Duke of Grafton and was a member of the Whig party, contributing to the political landscape of the time. Engaged in various administrative roles prior to premiership, including serving as a Lord of the Treasury and as a Secretary of State for the Southern Department.
Continue ReadingJodie Williams
English sprinter and Olympic athlete
Born
September 28th, 1993 32 years ago
Competed in sprinting events, focusing on 200 meters and 400 meters. Achievements include winning multiple medals at World and European Championships. Represented Great Britain at the Summer Olympics, participating in the 2012 and 2016 Games. Notable for contributing to relay team successes.
Continue ReadingKōko Tsurumi
Japanese gymnast with Olympic success
Born
September 28th, 1992 33 years ago
Competed in artistic gymnastics, achieving notable success at international competitions. Represented Japan at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, securing a bronze medal in the women's team event. Also participated in various World Championships, contributing to Japan's standings in the sport.
Continue ReadingHenry Fox
English politician and statesman
Born
September 28th, 1705 320 years ago
Died
July 1st, 1774 251 years ago — 68 years old
Served as a prominent English politician during the 18th century. Held the title of 1st Baron Holland and the position of Secretary of State for the Southern Department. Engaged in various political endeavors, contributing to the administration under different monarchs. Played a significant role in shaping policies during a turbulent period in British history, facilitating negotiations and fostering political alliances.
Continue ReadingHenri Moissan
Chemist, Nobel Prize laureate in Chemistry
Born
September 28th, 1852 173 years ago
Died
February 20th, 1907 118 years ago — 54 years old
A French chemist and academic, contributed significantly to the understanding of chemical processes and elements. Conducted groundbreaking research on fluorine, isolating this previously unexamined element for the first time. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1906 for the development of the electric arc furnace and the extraction of fluorine from minerals. Led scientific advancements in high-temperature chemistry and materials.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on August 24th
Jay Thomas
Actor and radio talk show host
Born
1948 78 years ago
Died
August 24th, 2017 8 years ago — 69 years old
An American actor and comedian, achieved recognition for roles in television series and film. Gained a following for performances on the sitcom 'Cheers' as Eddie LeBec and on 'Murphy Brown' as Jerry Gold. Also hosted a radio talk show where various topics were discussed, including entertainment and sports. Won two Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. Featured in films such as 'Mr. Holland's Opus' and 'The Santa Clause 2.'
Continue ReadingGail Sheehy
American journalist and author of 'Passages'
Born
November 27th, 1936 89 years ago
Died
August 24th, 2020 5 years ago — 83 years old
A prominent journalist and author, contributed significantly to the understanding of adult life stages through writing. Authored 'Passages', a seminal work that explored the psychological transitions in adulthood. Worked as a writer for several publications including New York Magazine, covering a range of topics from politics to culture. Engaged in speaking events and discussions about personal development and societal issues, sharing insights drawn from extensive research and interviews.
Continue ReadingThomas Blood
Irish Colonel and notorious rogue
Born
1618 408 years ago
Died
August 24th, 1680 345 years ago — 62 years old
Served as an Irish colonel during the 17th century and became notorious for the attempted theft of the Crown Jewels of England in 1671. After being apprehended, managed to convince King Charles II to pardon, leading to a surprising friendship. Later, lived a life of relative comfort and wealth based on this escapade. Blood's audacious act and subsequent escape from the Tower of London cemented his place in criminal lore.
Continue ReadingAndrée Boucher
Canadian educator and politician
Born
January 31st, 1937 89 years ago
Died
August 24th, 2007 18 years ago — 70 years old
Served as the 39th Mayor of Quebec City from 2005 until 2010. Contributed to local education policies and municipal affairs. Held various positions within the community and advocated for civic development during the mayoral tenure. Prior to the mayoralty, worked in education and community service sectors.
Continue ReadingNicolas Léonard Sadi Carnot
Physicist known for heat engines
Born
June 1st, 1796 229 years ago
Died
August 24th, 1832 193 years ago — 36 years old
A prominent physicist and engineer, contributed significantly to the field of thermodynamics. Formulated the Carnot cycle, which laid the foundation for the second law of thermodynamics. Focused on the efficiency of heat engines and proposed a theoretical model for understanding heat transfer. His work established principles that influenced later scientists and engineers in the study of energy conversion.
Continue ReadingFélix-Antoine Savard
Canadian priest and author of literary works
Born
August 31st, 1896 129 years ago
Died
August 24th, 1982 43 years ago — 85 years old
Born in 1896, this Canadian priest contributed significantly to literature and religion. He authored several notable works, exploring themes of spirituality and morality. The influence of his writings extended beyond the literary realm into social thought. As an educator, he also played a pivotal role in promoting Quebec culture and education. Throughout his life, he remained dedicated to the development of religious literature in Canada, reflecting his deeply held beliefs.
Continue Reading