Owen Wister

American author of Western novels

Owen Wister - Artists & Creatives born 1860
Born

1860
166 years ago

Died
Category

Artists & Creatives

Country

United States

Links & References

A lawyer by profession, significant contributions were made to American literature, particularly in the Western genre. The novel 'The Virginian', published in 1902, became a foundational work in this literary category. This work helped to shape the portrayal of the American West in literature and popular culture.

Published 'The Virginian' in 1902

Influenced Western literature and culture

Other People Who Died on July 21st

Mikhail Mikhaylovich Gerasimov

Russian anthropologist and sculptor
Born
1907 119 years ago
Died
July 21st, 1970 55 years ago — 63 years old

Contributions included the development of techniques for facial reconstruction from skulls, revolutionizing the field of physical anthropology. Worked on the reconstruction of historical figures, including those from ancient cultures. Served as an academic leader at the Institute of Ethnography and the Institute of Archaeology in Moscow, guiding research and education in anthropology and archaeology.

Continue Reading

Robert G. Ingersoll

American soldier and politician
Born
August 11th, 1833 192 years ago
Died
July 21st, 1899 126 years ago — 65 years old

Born on August 11, 1833, one served as a Union Army officer during the American Civil War. Later transitioned into a legal career, establishing a reputation as a prominent lawyer. Engaged in politics, one was elected to the Illinois legislature as a Republican. Advocated for secularism and free thought, earning recognition for speeches supporting civil liberties and religious freedom. Involved in the development of the modern agnostic movement, one emphasized reason and skepticism in public discourse.

Continue Reading

Edward B. Lewis

American biologist and Nobel Laureate
Born
May 20th, 1918 107 years ago
Died
July 21st, 2004 21 years ago — 86 years old

An American biologist and geneticist contributed significantly to the understanding of genetic mechanisms through research on the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. Received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1995 for discovering genes controlling the development of body plan in organisms. His academic career included teaching at the California Institute of Technology, influencing generations of scientists. Conducted groundbreaking studies elucidating the role of homeotic genes in regulating the development of body segments.

Continue Reading

Alan Shepard

Astronaut, Apollo 14 Commander
Born
November 18th, 1923 102 years ago
Died
July 21st, 1998 27 years ago — 74 years old

An American astronaut and test pilot, made history by becoming the first American in space in 1961 during the Freedom 7 mission. Commanded the Apollo 14 mission in 1971, which successfully landed on the Moon, conducting two lunar EVAs and collecting valuable geological samples. Instrumental in testing various experimental aircraft and spacecraft, advancing human spaceflight efforts.

Continue Reading

E. L. Doctorow

American novelist and playwright
Born
January 6th, 1931 95 years ago
Died
July 21st, 2015 10 years ago — 84 years old

A prominent American writer, this individual crafted compelling works throughout a career spanning several decades. The writing style often blended historical events with fiction, creating rich narratives. Notable works include 'Ragtime', which depicts early 20th-century America, and 'Billy Bathgate', a novel exploring the life of a young man involved with gangster Dutch Schultz. The author also wrote plays that were well-received in theatrical circles. Contributions to American literature garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated readership.

Continue Reading

Fiammetta Wilson

English astronomer with comet research
Born
July 19th, 1864 161 years ago
Died
July 21st, 1920 105 years ago — 56 years old

Born in England in 1864, notable contributions in astronomy centered on study and classification of comets. Participated in various astronomical societies and published research articles. Focused on the orbits of comets and their physical properties, contributing to the understanding of these celestial objects during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Engaged actively in promoting women’s participation in science, advocating for women's education in astronomy and related fields.

Continue Reading