Marie Laveau
Voodoo practitioner and spiritual leader
Born
Died
1881
145 years ago — 80 years old
Category
Activists & Humanitarians
Country
United States
Links & References
Born in 1801 in New Orleans, a prominent voodoo practitioner and spiritual leader emerged, recognized for her influential role in the local community. Established a widely respected voodoo practice that combined elements of African spirituality with Catholicism. Played a vital role in the life of the city and held gatherings that attracted many. Often referred to as the "Voodoo Queen of New Orleans," served as a healer and advisor, influencing both spiritual and social matters in a racially divided society. Continued to maintain her practice well into the late 19th century, leaving a lasting legacy on the culture and beliefs surrounding voodoo in the area.
Established a renowned voodoo practice
Served as a healer and spiritual advisor
Other People Born on September 10th
Hernando Arias de Saavedra
Paraguayan-Argentinian soldier and politician
Born
September 10th, 1561 464 years ago
Died
1634 392 years ago — 73 years old
A soldier and politician, played a significant role in the early colonial history of Paraguay and Argentina. Served as the Governor of the Province of Paraguay and was instrumental in the establishment of settlements and defense strategies. Engaged in military campaigns against indigenous tribes and Spanish rivals, contributing to the expansion of Spanish influence in the region. Promoted the integration of settlers and indigenous peoples, facilitating the growth of new communities in the area. His leadership was marked by conflicts and negotiations that shaped the political landscape of the region during the late 16th and early 17th centuries.
Continue ReadingCarl Clinton Van Doren
Critic and biographer of American literature
Born
September 10th, 1885 140 years ago
Died
July 18th, 1950 75 years ago — 64 years old
Born in 1885, the subject contributed significantly to American literary criticism and biography. A graduate of Columbia University, served as a professor there. Wrote extensively on various authors, most notably the biography of Benjamin Franklin. Also recognized for contributions to literary criticism, emphasizing the significance of American writers. Worked as an editor and journalist, influencing literary discourse in the 20th century. Received the Pulitzer Prize for Biography in 1939 for 'Daniel Webster.'
Continue ReadingIvar Böhling
Wrestler and Olympic medalist
Born
September 10th, 1889 136 years ago
Died
1929 97 years ago — 40 years old
Competed in wrestling and achieved notable success in the early 20th century. Won a bronze medal in the 1912 Stockholm Olympics. Participated in various championships and established a reputation in the sport of Greco-Roman wrestling. Contributed to Finnish wrestling legacy through competitive performances.
Continue ReadingRobert Taschereau
Chief Justice of Canada
Born
September 10th, 1896 129 years ago
Died
July 26th, 1970 55 years ago — 73 years old
Served as a prominent lawyer and judge in Canada, contributing to the legal landscape of the nation. Appointed as the 11th Chief Justice of Canada, a position held from 1956 to 1970. Had a distinguished career in law, shaping important legal precedents during tenure. Worked in various capacities within the legal system, including the Supreme Court of Canada.
Continue ReadingFranz Werfel
Austrian-Bohemian author and playwright
Born
September 10th, 1890 135 years ago
Died
August 26th, 1945 80 years ago — 54 years old
Born in 1890, an author and playwright emerged from Austria-Hungary, contributing significantly to literature in the early to mid-20th century. Notable works include 'The Forty Days of Musa Dagh', a novel depicting the Armenian genocide, and 'The Song of Bernadette', a story about the life of Saint Bernadette Soubirous. His writing often reflected on themes of spirituality and morality against the backdrop of sociopolitical turmoil. Forced to flee Europe during the rise of Nazism, he eventually settled in the United States, where he continued writing until his death in 1945.
Continue ReadingStephen Jay Gould
Paleontologist and evolutionary biologist
Born
September 10th, 1941 84 years ago
Died
May 20th, 2002 23 years ago — 60 years old
A prominent paleontologist and evolutionary biologist contributed significantly to the field of evolutionary theory. Developed the theory of punctuated equilibrium alongside Niles Eldredge, emphasizing that evolution occurs in rapid bursts followed by long periods of stability. Authored several influential books, including 'Wonderful Life' and 'The Mismeasure of Man,' which critiqued the use of intelligence testing. Served as a professor at Harvard University, where extensive research focused on the patterns of evolution and the history of life on Earth. Engaged in public writing, making complex scientific ideas accessible to broader audiences, and published numerous essays in 'Natural History' magazine.
Continue Reading