Margaret E. Knight

American inventor of paper bag machine

Margaret E. Knight - American inventor of paper bag machine
Born

February 14th, 1838
187 years ago

Died

October 12th, 1914
111 years ago — 76 years old

Category

Scientists & Innovators

Country

United States

Links & References

An inventor, notably contributed to the development of paper bag manufacturing technology. Knight designed a machine that efficiently produced flat-bottomed paper bags, which significantly influenced the packaging industry. This invention allowed for mass production and contributed to the decline of cloth and leather bags. Knight received a patent for the machine in 1871, becoming one of the first women in the United States to secure a patent. Throughout her career, Knight focused on various inventions, primarily in the field of machinery and manufacturing processes.

Invented a machine for producing paper bags

Secured a patent in 1871

Other People Born on February 14th

Liv Kristine

Norwegian singer-songwriter, Theatre of Tragedy
Born
February 14th, 1976 49 years ago

Singer-songwriter gained recognition as the lead vocalist of the gothic metal band Theatre of Tragedy. The band achieved notable success with their debut album, 'Theatre of Tragedy,' which helped define the early gothic metal genre. Following a successful stint with the band, pursued a solo career that included a blend of pop and metal influences, releasing several albums. Collaborated with various artists and contributed to soundtracks, further showcasing vocal versatility and style. Engaged in multiple international tours, building a dedicated fanbase and establishing a reputation as a prominent figure in the metal music scene.

Continue Reading

Danai Gurira

Actress and playwright, The Walking Dead
Born
February 14th, 1978 47 years ago

An American-Zimbabwean actress and playwright gained recognition for roles in television and theater. Portrayed Michonne in the television series The Walking Dead, earning acclaim for the performance. Made a notable impact in the theater world with the play Eclipsed, which received a Tony Award nomination. Also featured in the film Black Panther, contributing to a significant cultural representation in cinema. Engaged in advocacy and humanitarian efforts, particularly focusing on the issues facing women in Zimbabwe.

Continue Reading

Johannes Werner

Mathematician and German priest
Born
February 14th, 1468 557 years ago
Died
1522 503 years ago — 54 years old

Born in 1468, a German priest and mathematician contributed significantly to the field of mathematics during the Renaissance. Established a correlation between arithmetic and geometry, leading to a better understanding of numeric systems. Actively promoted the use of Arabic numerals over Roman numerals, aiding in the transition to modern numerical systems. Authored several works on astronomy and mathematics, advocating for the adoption of Hindu-Arabic numeral system in Europe. His notable work included a comprehensive treatise on arithmetic, which served as an important reference for scholars.

Continue Reading

Eugene Fama

Economist and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
February 14th, 1939 86 years ago

An economist made significant contributions to financial economics and asset pricing. Developed the efficient market hypothesis, asserting that asset prices reflect all available information. Served as a professor at the University of Chicago, influencing both academic research and practical financial modeling. His work laid foundational theories that shaped modern investment strategies and risk assessment.

Continue Reading

Pandolfo Petrucci

Tyrant of Siena
Born
February 14th, 1452 573 years ago
Died
May 21st, 1512 513 years ago — 60 years old

Governed Siena during the late 15th century. Achieved power through a combination of political maneuvering and military strength. Established a ruling dynasty in Siena that controlled the city for decades, influencing its affairs and politics. Oversaw significant changes in the governance and administration of the city-state. His rule marked the transition of Siena from a free comune to a more centralized authority.

Continue Reading

Kara Lawson

Basketball player and coach, ESPN analyst
Born
February 14th, 1981 44 years ago

Played college basketball at the University of Tennessee, contributing to an NCAA championship in 2007. Had a professional playing career in the WNBA, notably with the Sacramento Monarchs, winning a WNBA championship in 2005. Transitioned to coaching, serving as an assistant coach at Duke University and later as the head coach of the women's basketball team at the University of Massachusetts. In addition, worked as an ESPN basketball analyst, providing insights and commentary on various programs.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on October 12th

Frank Vandenbroucke

Cyclist with multiple Grand Tour victories
Born
November 6th, 1974 51 years ago
Died
October 12th, 2009 16 years ago — 34 years old

A Belgian cyclist achieved significant success in road racing during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Vandenbroucke won the prestigious 1999 Paris-Nice race and claimed victory in the 2000 Tour of Flanders. His career also included notable achievements in one-day races. His talents were evident when he also secured stages in major tours, showcasing prowess in both climbing and sprinting. Vandenbroucke represented several professional teams, including Mapei and Cofidis, and garnered attention for his performances in both the Grand Tours and World Championships. Despite personal challenges, his cycling abilities earned him recognition in the sport. Vandenbroucke's legacy includes contributions to the competitive cycling scene in Belgium.

Continue Reading

Wilt Chamberlain

Basketball player and coach with 100-point game
Born
August 21st, 1936 89 years ago
Died
October 12th, 1999 26 years ago — 63 years old

Outstanding basketball player and coach recognized for exceptional performance on the court. Played for teams such as the Philadelphia/San Francisco Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers, and Los Angeles Lakers. Accumulated numerous accolades during a prolific career including two NBA championships and four NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards. Scored 100 points in a single NBA game on March 2, 1962, a record that remains unmatched. Transitioned to a coaching role after retirement, contributing to the sport in different capacities.

Continue Reading

Michael IX Palaiologos

Byzantine emperor during 13th century
Born
April 17th, 1277 748 years ago
Died
October 12th, 1320 705 years ago — 43 years old

Born on April 17, 1277, served as the Byzantine emperor alongside his father, Andronikos II. His reign occurred during a turbulent period in Byzantine history marked by military conflicts and economic challenges. Leadership included efforts to stabilize the empire against external threats, particularly the Ottomans. Held the title of co-emperor from 1294 until his death in 1320, participating in significant military campaigns and diplomatic efforts. Strived to maintain the ideals of the Byzantine tradition amid encroaching pressures from neighboring powers and internal strife.

Continue Reading

Feodor Stepanovich Rojankovsky

Illustrator and painter of children's books
Born
December 24th, 1891 133 years ago
Died
October 12th, 1970 55 years ago — 78 years old

Born in Russia in 1891, this illustrator and painter specialized in children's book illustrations and is recognized for the enchanting quality of his artwork. Migrating to the United States in the 1920s, he contributed to various children's magazines and publications. His illustrations often featured whimsical and fantastical elements, appealing to young readers. Notably, the works included illustrations for renowned publishers such as Rand McNally and Holt, Rinehart and Winston. Over his career, he created visual representations for classic children's stories that have endured over the decades.

Continue Reading

Juan José Castelli

Argentinian lawyer and politician
Born
1764 261 years ago
Died
October 12th, 1812 213 years ago — 48 years old

A prominent lawyer and politician in early 19th century Argentina, played a key role in the Argentine War of Independence. Served as a member of the Primera Junta, the first national government of Argentina after the May Revolution. Promoted revolutionary ideas and advocated for the rights of indigenous people and the lower classes. His work contributed to the foundation of modern Argentina.

Continue Reading

Jean Ribault

French-American navigator and lieutenant
Born
1520 505 years ago
Died
October 12th, 1565 460 years ago — 45 years old

Served as a lieutenant and navigator during the French exploration of North America. Ribault led expeditions along the Atlantic coast, including the founding of Charlesfort in present-day South Carolina in 1562. He played a crucial role in French attempts to establish a colony in Florida, primarily aimed at expanding French influence in the New World. Ribault also engaged in interactions with Indigenous peoples during these expeditions. His naval expeditions between France and the Americas significantly contributed to the exploration efforts of that era.

Continue Reading