Pancho Villa
Mexican general and revolutionary leader
A prominent Mexican general and revolutionary leader, this figure played a critical role in the Mexican Revolution from 1910 to 1920. Villa initially gained fame as a bandit and later became the leader of a significant military division known as the División del Norte. During the revolution, he fought against the oppressive regimes in Mexico and aimed to address land reform and rights for the peasantry. He served as the Governor of the state of Chihuahua, where he implemented progressive agricultural policies. His military campaigns included the raid on Columbus, New Mexico, in 1916, which brought international attention to his revolutionary efforts. Eventually, Villa's power waned, and he was assassinated in 1923 as part of a political maneuver, leaving a complex legacy in Mexican history.
Led the División del Norte in the Mexican Revolution
Raided Columbus, New Mexico in 1916
Served as Governor of Chihuahua
Other People Born on June 5th
Ludovico III Gonzaga
Marquis of Mantua, Italian ruler
Born
June 5th, 1412 613 years ago
Died
June 12th, 1478 547 years ago — 66 years old
Born in 1412, this Italian noble held the title of Marquis of Mantua during the Renaissance period. As a significant political figure, he played a pivotal role in the governance of Mantua and its surrounding territories. Under his leadership, the city became a cultural hub, attracting artists and intellectuals of the time. His reign was marked by military campaigns and alliances that strengthened the position of Mantua in the region. He also promoted the arts, contributing to the flourishing of Renaissance culture in the area.
Continue ReadingEddie Joost
Baseball player and manager, All-Star
Born
June 5th, 1916 109 years ago
Died
2011 14 years ago — 95 years old
Started a career in Major League Baseball in 1936 with the Cincinnati Reds. Played primarily as a shortstop and third baseman, earning recognition for outstanding defensive skills. Achieved All-Star status in 1949 while playing for the Philadelphia Athletics. Transitioned to a managerial role after retiring as a player, guiding teams in the minor leagues. Served as a coach in Major League Baseball during the 1960s and 1970s, contributing to the development of future players and managers.
Continue ReadingConrad Marca-Relli
Painter and academic in Abstract Expressionism
Born
June 5th, 1913 112 years ago
Died
August 29th, 2000 25 years ago — 87 years old
An American-Italian painter and academics significant in the Abstract Expressionism movement, an art style that emerged in the mid-20th century. Studied at the New York School under notable artists and influenced by both European and American artistic traditions. Worked primarily in collage and paint, creating distinctive works characterized by their layering and fragmentation. Exhibited alongside contemporaries in prestigious galleries, contributing to the evolution of modern art. Teaching at various institutions, provided guidance to emerging artists, fostering new talent.
Continue ReadingSalvatore Ferragamo
Italian shoe designer and founder
Born
June 5th, 1898 127 years ago
Died
1960 65 years ago — 62 years old
Born in 1898, a prominent Italian shoe designer founded a luxury footwear brand in Florence. Gained recognition for innovative designs, craftsmanship, and the use of unique materials. Specialized in creating shoes for Hollywood stars, enhancing the glamour of the film industry in the 1920s and 1930s. Established a boutique that attracted famous clientele, which solidified the brand's status in high fashion. Later expanded into a full luxury brand offering ready-to-wear collections and accessories. Played a crucial role in the development of the modern shoe industry.
Continue ReadingRoy Thomson
Canadian-English publisher and academic
Born
June 5th, 1894 131 years ago
Died
August 4th, 1976 49 years ago — 82 years old
Published influential newspapers and magazines in Canada and the United Kingdom. Founded Thomson Corporation, which grew into a major publisher of professional and educational materials. Served as a politician, holding the title of 1st Baron Thomson of Fleet. Expanded operations into radio and television, contributing to developments in broadcasting. Contributed to the arts and education through philanthropic efforts.
Continue ReadingOtis Barton
Engineer and bathysphere designer
Born
June 5th, 1899 126 years ago
Died
1992 33 years ago — 93 years old
An engineer and inventor, created the bathysphere, an early submersible used for deep-sea exploration. Collaborated with naturalist William Beebe in 1930, achieving a record depth of 3,028 feet in the Atlantic Ocean. Contributed to advances in marine science and underwater technology. Also involved in acting, appearing in several films during the 1930s, showcasing a multifaceted career in engineering and entertainment.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on July 20th
Gavrila Derzhavin
Russian poet and statesman
Born
July 14th, 1743 282 years ago
Died
July 20th, 1816 209 years ago — 73 years old
Born in 1743, a prominent figure in Russian literature and politics, contributed significantly to the development of the Russian language and poetry. Served in various governmental roles, including as a senator and appointed governor of Saint Petersburg. His poetry combined philosophical and lyric elements, garnering admiration from contemporaries and later generations. The ode 'Felitsa' remains one of the most recognized works, illustrating his mastery of poetic form and emotional depth.
Continue ReadingJean Ingelow
English poet and author of 'Divided'
Born
March 17th, 1820 205 years ago
Died
July 20th, 1897 128 years ago — 77 years old
Born in 1820 in England, a poet and author contributed significantly to English literature during the Victorian era. Ingelow published her first collection of poems, 'A Rhymed Dialogue,' in 1863. Her most notable work, 'Divided,' achieved widespread recognition and popularity, reflecting themes of love and nature. Ingelow also wrote novels, children's fiction, and stories for Young Ladies, displaying versatility in literary forms. Her poetry often featured intricate rhythms and vivid imagery, appealing to a wide audience of readers. In the latter part of the 19th century, she gained a reputation as a prominent literary figure, receiving accolades from her contemporaries.
Continue ReadingCalouste Gulbenkian
Businessman and philanthropist
Born
March 23rd, 1869 156 years ago
Died
July 20th, 1955 70 years ago — 86 years old
Born in 1869, a Turkish-Armenian businessman played a significant role in the development of the oil industry in the Middle East. Established the Turkish Petroleum Company in 1912, which later became part of the Iraq Petroleum Company. Founded the Gulbenkian Foundation in 1956, which focuses on culture, education, and humanitarian activities. Contributed substantially to various charitable causes and fostered cultural enrichment across the globe, particularly in Portugal, where he spent his later years.
Continue ReadingJames Doohan
Actor and veteran, best known as Scotty
Born
March 3rd, 1920 105 years ago
Died
July 20th, 2005 20 years ago — 85 years old
Born in Canada, a military career began during World War II, serving in the Royal Canadian Artillery and participating in the D-Day invasion. After the war, transitioned to acting, gaining prominence for the role of Montgomery Scott, also known as Scotty, in the television series Star Trek, which premiered in 1966 and became a cultural phenomenon. Doohan reprised this role in several Star Trek films and contributed to the franchise's legacy. In addition to acting, he was involved in various voiceover projects and public appearances related to the series, attracting a loyal fanbase.
Continue ReadingFelix Dzerzhinsky
Politician and founder of the Cheka
Born
September 11th, 1877 148 years ago
Died
July 20th, 1926 99 years ago — 48 years old
Born in 1877, pursued a career in politics and became an influential figure in the Soviet Union. Played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Cheka, the first Soviet secret police organization, overseeing its operations during a critical period of the Russian Civil War. Advocated for state security measures to consolidate Bolshevik power and combat opposition. Developed policies related to labor and social issues, contributing to early Soviet governance. Served as the head of the All-Russian Extraordinary Commission for Combating Counter-Revolution and Sabotage until his death in 1926.
Continue ReadingLucian Freud
Painter renowned for intense portraits
Born
December 8th, 1922 103 years ago
Died
July 20th, 2011 14 years ago — 88 years old
Born in 1922, this painter developed a unique style characterized by exploration of the human figure and psychological depth. Training under various artists, he synthesized influences from Expressionism and the British figurative tradition. Freud’s works often depicted close family and friends, utilizing thick, impasto layers of paint to illuminate their emotional states. The artist's most significant acclaim came with various exhibitions, including a prominent showcase at the Tate Gallery in London. Freud's methodologies emphasized long sitting sessions with his subjects, fostering an environment of intimacy. His painting, 'Benefits Supervisor Sleeping,' fetched a notable price at auction, establishing a record for a living artist at the time. Throughout his career, he faced challenges in the art industry but continued to influence contemporary figurative painting until his passing in 2011.
Continue Reading