Narcís Monturiol
Engineer and inventor of submarines
An engineer and publisher contributed significantly to the development of submarine technology in the 19th century. Monturiol designed and built the Ictineo I, the first successful submarine powered by a mechanical system, which achieved controlled underwater navigation in 1859. He also focused on promoting science and engineering through his publishing efforts. His inventions laid the groundwork for future advancements in underwater exploration.
Designed and built the Ictineo I submarine
Pioneered the use of mechanical propulsion in submarines
Other People Born on September 28th
Johann Mattheson
German composer and music theorist
Born
September 28th, 1681 344 years ago
Died
April 17th, 1764 261 years ago — 82 years old
Contributed significantly to music theory and lexicography in the Baroque period. Authored several key works, including 'Der vollkommene Capellmeister,' which explored compositional techniques and the role of the conductor. Composed operas and vocal music, notably 'Boris Gudunov,' which gained attention during his lifetime. Facilitated discussions on music and aesthetics through writings and his involvement in musical circles.
Continue ReadingHiranuma Kiichirō
Japanese Prime Minister and lawyer
Born
September 28th, 1867 158 years ago
Died
1952 73 years ago — 85 years old
Served as the 35th Prime Minister of Japan from 1939 to 1940. Had a legal background, contributing to various legal reforms during the Taishō and Shōwa eras. Played a crucial role in national politics during a turbulent period in Japanese history.
Continue ReadingAvery Brundage
Sports administrator and art collector
Born
September 28th, 1887 138 years ago
Died
May 8th, 1975 50 years ago — 87 years old
Businessman and art collector served as the President of the International Olympic Committee from 1952 to 1972. Played a key role in the organization and direction of the Olympic Games, overseeing events such as the 1968 Mexico City Olympics and the controversial 1972 Munich Olympics. Brundage was instrumental in promoting the Olympic movement and expanding its global reach, while also being an avid art collector with a focus on American works. His tenure was marked by both achievements and criticisms, particularly regarding the handling of political issues in sports.
Continue ReadingCarl Clauberg
Nazi physician known for medical experiments
Born
September 28th, 1898 127 years ago
Died
August 9th, 1957 68 years ago — 58 years old
A German physician involved in the notorious medical experiments during World War II, Clauberg's work took place primarily in concentration camps. He specialized in gynecological experiments, particularly focusing on sterilization procedures. After the war, he was captured by Soviet forces, where he was tried and sentenced for his actions. Following his release, he practices medicine in Germany before his death in 1957.
Continue ReadingBen E. King
Singer-songwriter of 'Stand By Me'
Born
September 28th, 1938 87 years ago
Died
April 30th, 2015 10 years ago — 76 years old
A prominent American singer-songwriter and record producer, contributed significantly to the music scene from the 1950s onward. Gained fame as a member of The Drifters, serving as the lead singer on hits like 'There Goes My Baby' and 'Save the Last Dance for Me'. Launched a successful solo career with the release of 'Stand By Me' in 1961, a song that became a classic and has been covered by numerous artists. Continued to write and perform throughout his life, leaving a lasting legacy in the music industry until passing away in 2015.
Continue ReadingSeymour Cray
Computer Scientist, Founder of CRAY
Born
September 28th, 1925 100 years ago
Died
October 5th, 1996 29 years ago — 71 years old
A pivotal figure in supercomputing, significant contributions included the design of cutting-edge supercomputers. Founded Cray Research, which produced the Cray-1, the world's first successful supercomputer. Focused on achieving high performance through innovative architecture and technology. Played a crucial role in advancing computational capabilities for various scientific applications.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on September 6th
P. H. Newby
English soldier and acclaimed author
Born
June 25th, 1918 107 years ago
Died
September 6th, 1997 28 years ago — 79 years old
P. H. Newby served as a soldier during World War II and later pursued a career in literature. He published several novels and became recognized for his storytelling abilities. One of the significant works includes 'Something to Answer For', which received critical acclaim and won the 1960 Somerset Maugham Award. His contributions to literature reflected a deep engagement with themes of identity and narrative, rooted in his experiences.
Continue ReadingFranco Ferrara
Italian conductor and composer
Born
1911 114 years ago
Died
September 6th, 1985 40 years ago — 74 years old
Renowned for contributions to conducting and composition, significant influence observed in the 20th century classical music scene. Held the position of principal conductor for the Santa Cecilia Orchestra in Rome. Collaborated with prominent orchestras and opera companies across Europe and the Americas. Composed works that contributed to the classical repertoire.
Continue ReadingMichael S. Hart
American author, founder of Project Gutenberg
Born
March 8th, 1947 78 years ago
Died
September 6th, 2011 14 years ago — 64 years old
An author and pioneer in digital publishing, founded Project Gutenberg in 1971. This initiative aimed to make literary works freely available in digital format, allowing countless texts to be accessible online. The project has contributed significantly to the availability of literature and has served as a model for other digital libraries. Under leadership, Project Gutenberg grew to include over 60,000 free eBooks, covering a wide range of genres and languages. The impact on the promotion of literature and education through electronic media remains pivotal.
Continue ReadingThomas Dempster
Scottish scholar and historian
Born
August 23rd, 1579 446 years ago
Died
September 6th, 1625 400 years ago — 46 years old
Dempster studied at various universities, including St. Andrews and Paris. He contributed significantly to historical studies and classical literature. In 1622, he published 'Historiae Ecclesiasticae Gentis Scotorum', which focused on the history of the Scottish Church. Dempster also served as a professor at the University of Louvain, where he furthered his scholarly pursuits, particularly in classical studies and history.
Continue ReadingCalvin J. Spann
American general and pilot
Born
1924 101 years ago
Died
September 6th, 2015 10 years ago — 91 years old
A significant figure in the U.S. military, served as a general and pilot. Participated in numerous combat missions and contributed to military strategy and leadership throughout decades of service. Known for involvement in the Korean War and later in the Vietnam War, demonstrating skills in aviation and command. Held various leadership roles in the Air Force, influencing training and operational procedures.
Continue ReadingMargaret Sanger
Nurse and Birth Control Activist
Born
September 14th, 1879 146 years ago
Died
September 6th, 1966 59 years ago — 86 years old
A nurse and activist contributed significantly to the birth control movement in the United States. Founded the American Birth Control League in 1921, which later became Planned Parenthood. Advocated for women's reproductive rights and education about contraception. Published works and provided information to women regarding family planning. Arrested multiple times for distributing contraceptive information. Played a crucial role in changing societal attitudes towards birth control and women's health.
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