Mazo de la Roche
Canadian author of "Jalna" series
An author and playwright, the individual contributed significantly to Canadian literature. Writings include the acclaimed "Jalna" series, which spans 16 novels and portrays life on an English estate in Canada. The series captured the lives of the Whiteoaks, a fictional family, and resonated with readers for its rich character development and detailed storytelling. In addition to the novels, the author wrote several plays, showcasing versatility in literary form. Recognition included winning the Governor General's Award for Fiction in 1927, marking a high point in the writing career. Works often reflected themes of heritage, nature, and the passage of time.
Authored the "Jalna" series
Won the Governor General's Award in 1927
Other People Born on January 15th
Kadeem Allen
Basketball player, NCAA standout
Born
January 15th, 1993 33 years ago
A professional basketball player, he played collegiate basketball at the University of Arizona. He was a significant contributor to the team during his tenure. After college, he transitioned to the professional level and has played in the NBA and G League. Throughout his career, he demonstrated skills as a shooting guard, showcasing sharpshooting and playmaking abilities.
Continue ReadingMartin Luther King Jr.
Civil Rights Leader and Nobel Laureate
Born
January 15th, 1929 97 years ago
Died
April 4th, 1968 57 years ago — 39 years old
A prominent minister and civil rights activist played a central role in the American civil rights movement from the mid-1950s until his assassination in 1968. Advocated for nonviolent protest against racial segregation and discrimination. Delivered the iconic 'I Have a Dream' speech during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963. His leadership was instrumental in the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 for efforts to combat racial inequality through nonviolent resistance.
Continue ReadingEdzard I
Count of East Frisia and German noble
Born
January 15th, 1462 564 years ago
Died
February 14th, 1528 497 years ago — 66 years old
Count of East Frisia held significant power in the region during the late 15th and early 16th centuries. Ascending to prominence in a context of noble rivalries and political maneuvering, the count’s rule marked a crucial period in East Frisia's history. Efforts were directed towards consolidating territory and managing relations with neighboring territories and the Hanseatic League. His leadership fostered relative stability for East Frisia, contributing to its identity. The count's lineage and territorial ambitions shaped the region's political landscape for generations.
Continue ReadingBabasaheb Bhosale
Indian politician, Chief Minister of Maharashtra
Born
January 15th, 1921 105 years ago
Died
October 6th, 2007 18 years ago — 86 years old
Eighth Chief Minister of Maharashtra, played a significant role in state politics. Advocated for social reforms and worked towards the upliftment of marginalized communities. Served in various government positions and contributed to the legislative assembly. Instrumental in implementing policies related to education and agriculture to enhance the quality of life for citizens.
Continue ReadingBob Davies
Basketball player and coach for the NBL
Born
January 15th, 1920 106 years ago
Died
1990 36 years ago — 70 years old
Career spanned from the late 1930s to the mid-1950s. Played as a guard and is recognized for significant contributions to the sport. Coached teams after retirement from playing, influencing future generations of players. Achieved remarkable success in both playing and coaching roles. Served in the military during World War II before resuming basketball career.
Continue ReadingSofia Kovalevskaya
Mathematician and physicist, author
Born
January 15th, 1850 176 years ago
Died
February 10th, 1891 134 years ago — 41 years old
Born in Russia and later relocating to Sweden, this mathematician and physicist made significant contributions to analysis, partial differential equations, and mechanics. The first woman to obtain a doctorate in modern Europe, a groundbreaking achievement occurred in 1874 at the University of Göttingen. This work led to important advancements in mathematics, including the development of the Cauchy-Kovalevski theorem. The individual's research extended to literary contributions, including articles and texts aimed at popularizing mathematics and science. The appointment to a full professorship at Stockholm University marked a historic moment as the first woman in such a position in Northern Europe, further establishing a legacy in academia.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on July 12th
Jimmy Driftwood
Singer-songwriter and banjo player
Born
June 20th, 1907 118 years ago
Died
July 12th, 1998 27 years ago — 91 years old
Contributed significantly to American folk music as a singer-songwriter and banjo player. Gained prominence with the song 'The Battle of New Orleans', which won a Grammy Award. Engaged in education through music, composing over 300 songs while also serving as a school principal. Efforts to promote traditional folk music are noted in various recordings and performances.
Continue ReadingChristfried Burmeister
Estonian speed skater and champion
Born
May 26th, 1898 127 years ago
Died
July 12th, 1965 60 years ago — 67 years old
Born in 1898, a speed skater represented Estonia in international competitions. Participated in the 1924 Winter Olympics in Chamonix, competing in several events. Contributed to the development of speed skating in Estonia during the early 20th century.
Continue ReadingBobby Murcer
Baseball player and sportscaster
Born
May 20th, 1946 79 years ago
Died
July 12th, 2008 17 years ago — 62 years old
A baseball player, coach, and sportscaster, the individual played primarily for the New York Yankees. Career in Major League Baseball spanned 17 seasons, debuting in 1965. As an outfielder, achieved 1,400 hits, 175 home runs, and 1,000 runs batted in. Transitioned to sportscasting after retirement, becoming a prominent Yankees broadcaster and earning recognition in the field.
Continue ReadingBoris Galerkin
Mathematician and engineer, creator of FEM
Born
March 4th, 1871 154 years ago
Died
July 12th, 1945 80 years ago — 74 years old
Born in Russia, contributed significantly to the fields of mathematics and engineering. Developed the finite element method, a fundamental technique in engineering analysis and simulation. Worked on various problems in structural mechanics and elasticity theory. Published numerous research papers that laid the groundwork for future developments in numerical methods.
Continue ReadingRajendra Kumar
Pakistani-Indian actor and producer
Born
July 20th, 1929 96 years ago
Died
July 12th, 1999 26 years ago — 69 years old
Born in 1929, a prominent figure in Indian cinema during the 1950s and 1960s. Gained popularity for lead roles in romantic films and earned the title 'Jubilee Kumar' due to a series of successful films. Featured in significant works such as 'Mother India', 'Sangam', and 'Dastaan'. Also produced films, contributing to the industry beyond acting.
Continue ReadingGertrude Bell
Archaeologist and political officer in Iraq
Born
July 14th, 1868 157 years ago
Died
July 12th, 1926 99 years ago — 57 years old
An influential archaeologist and political officer, this individual made significant contributions to the field of archaeology in the Middle East and played a crucial role in the political landscape of Iraq during the early 20th century. Educated at Oxford, this individual traveled extensively throughout the Arabian Peninsula and contributed to the mapping and exploration of the region. Worked with the British government during World War I to shape post-war policy in the newly established nation of Iraq, assisting in the creation of the Iraqi state. Promoted the inclusion of Arab perspectives in governance and helped establish the National Museum of Iraq in Baghdad.
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