Marthinus Wessel Pretorius

South African politician and general

Marthinus Wessel Pretorius - South African politician and general
Born

September 17th, 1819
205 years ago

Died

May 19th, 1901
123 years ago — 81 years old

Category

Leaders & Politicians

Country

South Africa

Links & References

A prominent general and statesman, this individual became the first President of the South African Republic in 1857, significantly shaping the early governance of the republic. Originally from the Cape Colony, engagement in the Great Trek led to participation in the establishment of Boer settlements in the interior of South Africa. Leadership during the Zulu Wars and defense of Boer territories highlighted military capabilities. His presidency included efforts to consolidate the political structure and address territorial disputes. He remained an influential figure in the establishment of a Boer government and in the political landscape of the region until his death in 1901.

Served as the first President of the South African Republic

Led military actions during the Zulu Wars

Other People Born on September 17th

Lucius Quintus Cincinnatus Lamar II

American politician and lawyer
Born
September 17th, 1825 199 years ago
Died
January 23rd, 1893 132 years ago — 67 years old

Served as the 16th Secretary of the Interior. Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from Mississippi. Appointed as a Justice of the United States Supreme Court. Contributed to the development of policies and legislation in the areas of land management and Native American affairs.

Continue Reading

Jeff MacNelly

Cartoonist known for editorial cartoons
Born
September 17th, 1947 77 years ago
Died
2000 25 years ago — 53 years old

Provided editorial cartoons that captured political and social issues with sharp wit. Contributed to several newspapers, including the Chicago Tribune and the Richmond Times-Dispatch, creating a distinctive style that resonated with audiences. Received multiple awards for excellence, highlighting a dedication to the craft of cartooning. In addition to cartoons, created the comic strip 'Shoe', which depicted the life of a sarcastic shoe salesman and his family in a humorous light, further cementing a legacy in American humor.

Continue Reading

Danielle Brooks

American actress, Orange Is the New Black
Born
September 17th, 1989 35 years ago

Born in 1989, an American actress received recognition for performances in television and film. Gained prominence for the role of Taystee in the Netflix series Orange Is the New Black, which ran from 2013 to 2019. The portrayal earned critical acclaim and showcased talent in both comedic and dramatic scenes. Additionally, appeared in the Broadway revival of The Color Purple, receiving a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actress. Expanded work into voice acting and has appeared in various productions beyond her most recognized roles.

Continue Reading

Jimmie Johnson

Race car driver, seven-time Cup Series champion
Born
September 17th, 1975 49 years ago

A prominent figure in American auto racing, achieved significant success in the NASCAR Cup Series. Competed for various teams, most notably Hendrick Motorsports. Highlights of the career include winning seven NASCAR Cup Series championships, tied for the most in history. Also captured 83 race wins, placing among the top winners in the series. Transitioned to participate in other racing formats, including the IndyCar Series, further showcasing versatility in motorsports.

Continue Reading

Ravichandran Ashwin

Cricketer; ICC Cricketer of the Year 2016
Born
September 17th, 1986 38 years ago

This individual is a professional cricketer from India, recognized for contributions as a spin bowler and all-rounder. Born in 1986, he debuted for the national team in 2010. Over the course of a career spanning more than a decade, he became a key player in significant Test matches and One Day Internationals. Renowned for strategic bowling and effective batting, he has earned numerous accolades. The player has attended various tournaments, including the Indian Premier League, where significant success was achieved.

Continue Reading

Martha Ostenso

Canadian novelist with acclaimed works
Born
September 17th, 1900 124 years ago
Died
1963 62 years ago — 63 years old

A prominent Canadian screenwriter and novelist, her literary career flourished in the early to mid-20th century. The debut novel, 'Wild Geese', published in 1925, received significant acclaim and established a reputation in Canadian literature. 'Wild Geese' explores themes of love and identity against a rural backdrop, resonating with readers. During the 1930s, she contributed to film and wrote screenplays, further extending her influence in the cinematic arts. Throughout the 1940s and beyond, her writing continued to reflect complex characters and detailed landscapes, contributing to her status as a significant figure in Canadian literary history.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on May 19th

Saint Ivo of Kermartin

Canon lawyer and saint of Brittany
Born
1253 772 years ago
Died
May 19th, 1303 721 years ago — 50 years old

A canon lawyer from Brittany, contributed significantly to the development of ecclesiastical law. Recognized for his dedication to justice and charity, mediated disputes and helped the poor. Established principles that guided legal practices within the church. Saint Ivo's legacy includes his canonization for piety and legal scholarship.

Continue Reading

Charles Montagu

Poet and Chancellor of the Exchequer
Born
April 16th, 1661 363 years ago
Died
May 19th, 1715 309 years ago — 54 years old

Served as the 1st Earl of Halifax and became a significant figure within the English government during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Played a crucial role in financial matters as Chancellor of the Exchequer, managing the economic policies and budget of the nation. Contributed to the literary world as a poet, with works that reflected the political and social issues of the time. Participated in the establishment of the Bank of England, which greatly influenced the country’s financial system.

Continue Reading

Robert F. Furchgott

Biochemist, Nobel Prize laureate
Born
June 4th, 1916 108 years ago
Died
May 19th, 2009 15 years ago — 92 years old

Born in 1916, achievements include significant contributions to the understanding of nitric oxide as a signaling molecule in the cardiovascular system. Work focused on pharmacology and biochemistry, with research uncovering the role of endothelium-derived relaxing factor. Authored numerous scientific publications and demonstrated the importance of nitric oxide in regulating blood pressure and blood flow. Received a Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1998 alongside two colleagues for discoveries related to nitric oxide's effects on the cardiovascular system.

Continue Reading

Paul Mooney

Comedian and writer of 'Chappelle's Show'
Born
1941 84 years ago
Died
May 19th, 2021 3 years ago — 80 years old

A prominent figure in comedy, contributed significantly to the genre through stand-up performances and writing. Worked extensively on 'Chappelle's Show', creating memorable sketches and characters. Collaborated with various notable comedians, influencing a generation of performers. Continued to perform live until death in 2021.

Continue Reading

Booth Tarkington

American novelist and dramatist
Born
July 29th, 1869 155 years ago
Died
May 19th, 1946 78 years ago — 76 years old

A prominent American novelist and dramatist, contributed significantly to early 20th-century literature. Authored several famous works, most notably "The Magnificent Ambersons" and "Alice Adams," both of which won Pulitzer Prizes. Engaged in the literary scene of his time, engaging with themes of social status and the complexities of American life. Besides fiction, also wrote plays that were performed on Broadway, further showcasing versatility in storytelling.

Continue Reading

Jimmy Lyons

American saxophonist with notable works
Born
December 1st, 1931 93 years ago
Died
May 19th, 1986 38 years ago — 54 years old

A prominent figure in the free jazz movement, contributed significantly to the genre through innovative saxophone performances. Collaborated with influential musicians, most notably as a member of the Cecil Taylor Unit from the 1960s until the end of the 1970s. Lyons' style blended improvisation with avant-garde elements, shaping the sound of contemporary jazz. Released several albums that showcased his artistic vision and technical prowess, leaving a lasting mark on jazz music.

Continue Reading