Lady Mary Wortley Montagu

English writer and advocate for smallpox inoculation

Lady Mary Wortley Montagu - English writer and advocate for smallpox inoculation
Born

May 15th, 1689
336 years ago

Died

August 21st, 1762
262 years ago — 73 years old

Category

Artists & Creatives

Country

United Kingdom

Links & References

Born in 1689, a writer and poet highlighted the benefits of smallpox inoculation after witnessing the practice in the Ottoman Empire. Authored 'The Turkish Embassy Letters', which offered insights into life in Turkey. Contributed to literary discussions of the time and addressed issues of women's rights and education. Actively campaigned for the adoption of inoculation in England, influencing medical practices.

Advocated for smallpox inoculation

Wrote 'The Turkish Embassy Letters'

Other People Born on May 15th

Jean Étienne Valluy

French general and military leader
Born
May 15th, 1899 126 years ago
Died
1970 55 years ago — 71 years old

Born in 1899, a general in the French Army, served with distinction during World War II. Commanded the 2nd Armored Division, which played a key role in the liberation of France. Participated in the Battle of Normandy and later led forces in the liberation of Paris. Continued a military career after the war, holding various commands and contributing to France's military strategy during the Cold War.

Continue Reading

Madeleine Albright

Diplomat and first female Secretary of State
Born
May 15th, 1937 88 years ago
Died
March 23rd, 2022 3 years ago — 84 years old

A prominent diplomat served as the 64th United States Secretary of State from 1997 to 2001. Played a key role in U.S. foreign policy, focusing on the expansion of NATO and advocating for human rights in conflicts such as in the Balkans. Received significant recognition for efforts to advance democratic governance worldwide. Authored several books on diplomacy and international relations. Contributed to the shaping of U.S. policies during the Clinton administration.

Continue Reading

Meg Gardiner

Thriller author with 'Unsub' series
Born
May 15th, 1957 68 years ago

An American author and academic, contributed significantly to the thriller genre. Became widely recognized with the 'Unsub' series, which garnered attention for its intricate plotting and deep characterization. Published several standalone novels, showcasing a strong command of suspense and narrative complexity. Also served as a professor, influencing future writers through educational contributions.

Continue Reading

Michael Brantley

Baseball player for Cleveland Indians
Born
May 15th, 1987 38 years ago

Professional baseball player. Played in Major League Baseball for the Cleveland Indians and the Houston Astros. Noteworthy for contributions as an outfielder and designated hitter, exhibiting strong batting capabilities. Achieved multiple All-Star selections and won a Silver Slugger Award. Key player during the Indians' playoff runs in 2016 and 2017.

Continue Reading

Fritz Feigl

Chemist; developed spot tests
Born
May 15th, 1891 134 years ago
Died
January 23rd, 1971 54 years ago — 79 years old

An Austrian-Brazilian chemist and academic contributed significantly to analytical chemistry. Developed the Feigl test for the qualitative detection of nitrogen compounds in different chemical substances. Worked on the investigations of characteristics of substances and their interactions, leading to advancements in chemical analysis techniques. Published numerous articles and produced several influential texts in the field of chemistry. Contributed to the development of new analytical methods that are still in use today.

Continue Reading

Trini Lopez

Singer, guitarist, and actor in the 1960s
Born
May 15th, 1937 88 years ago
Died
August 11th, 2020 4 years ago — 83 years old

An American singer and guitarist rose to prominence in the 1960s with hit songs and energetic performances. Achieved acclaim with the iconic rendition of 'If I Had a Hammer.' Acted in films including 'The Dirty Dozen' and 'Jack the Giant Killer.' Lopez gained recognition for his vibrant music style and engagement with audiences, influencing the folk music scene during this era.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on August 21st

Palmiro Togliatti

Italian politician and Minister of Justice
Born
March 26th, 1893 132 years ago
Died
August 21st, 1964 60 years ago — 71 years old

A prominent figure in Italian politics, this individual served as a key leader of the Italian Communist Party. Active during significant political turmoil, played a crucial role in post-World War II governance, advocating for a broad leftist coalition. Occupied the position of Minister of Justice from 1945 to 1946, overseeing important legal reforms. Contributed to the establishment of the new Italian constitution in 1948. Also worked as a journalist, influencing public opinion and party policies through various publications.

Continue Reading

Robert Moog

Pioneer of electronic music synthesis
Born
May 23rd, 1934 91 years ago
Died
August 21st, 2005 19 years ago — 71 years old

A significant figure in the development of electronic music, this individual founded Moog Music in 1953, which became essential in the creation of synthesizers. The invention of the Moog synthesizer revolutionized music production and performance. Throughout the 1960s and beyond, the synthesizer became a vital instrument in various music genres, particularly in progressive rock, pop, and experimental music. Collaborations included working with prominent artists and bands, influencing the sound of an era. This individual's contributions to music technology earned a prominent place in the history of modern music.

Continue Reading

Benigno Aquino Jr.

Filipino politician and activist
Born
November 27th, 1932 92 years ago
Died
August 21st, 1983 41 years ago — 50 years old

A prominent figure in Philippine politics, he emerged as a leading opposition voice during the regime of Ferdinand Marcos. His political career began in the 1950s, serving as a senator and becoming known for his vocal criticism of government corruption and authoritarianism. Aquino was imprisoned for nearly four years following the declaration of martial law in 1972. After his release, he went into exile in the United States. He returned to the Philippines in 1983, where he was assassinated at the Manila International Airport, an event that galvanized the opposition against Marcos. His death triggered a series of events leading to the People Power Revolution in 1986, which ultimately ousted Marcos from power.

Continue Reading

David B. Steinman

Engineer, designer of Mackinac Bridge
Born
1886 139 years ago
Died
August 21st, 1960 64 years ago — 74 years old

An engineer specialized in bridge design and construction, notable for the design of the Mackinac Bridge in Michigan. The bridge, connecting Michigan's Upper and Lower Peninsulas, was completed in 1957 and recognized as one of the longest suspension bridges in the world at the time. Beyond the Mackinac Bridge, contributions to the field included innovations in bridge engineering techniques and materials.

Continue Reading

William Thurston

Mathematician, awarded Fields Medal
Born
1946 79 years ago
Died
August 21st, 2012 12 years ago — 66 years old

Contributions focused on topology, geometry, and the study of three-dimensional manifolds. Developed the theory of hyperbolic geometry and its applications in topology. Served as a professor at Princeton University and was instrumental in education, mentoring numerous students and researchers. Received the prestigious Fields Medal in 1982 for significant advancements in cryptography. Authored several influential papers and texts, shaping modern understanding in these mathematical fields.

Continue Reading

Rodolfo Enrique Fogwill

Argentinean sociologist and author
Born
1941 84 years ago
Died
August 21st, 2010 14 years ago — 69 years old

An Argentinean sociologist and author gained recognition for contributions to literature and social commentary. Fogwill's work often explored themes of identity, politics, and society. His most notable works include literary novels that delve into contemporary Argentine culture and its complexities. In addition to writing, he was involved in film and television, contributing to the cultural discourse in Argentina through various mediums.

Continue Reading