Peter Cooper
Philanthropist and founder of Cooper Union

Born
February 12th, 1791
234 years ago
Died
April 4th, 1883
142 years ago — 92 years old
Category
Activists & Humanitarians
Country
United States
Links & References
An American businessman and philanthropist contributed significantly to education and industry. Founded the Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art in 1859, which provided free education to students. Developed the first patented gelatin dessert, leading to the creation of Jell-O. Was involved in the construction of the Atlantic Avenue Tunnel in Brooklyn, one of the first tunnels in the United States. Contributed to various civic causes, advocating for public education and social equity.
Founded the Cooper Union
Developed the first patented gelatin dessert
Other People Born on February 12th
Christina Ricci
An American actress began her career in the early 1990s with roles in films such as 'The Addams Family' and 'Casper.' Gained critical acclaim for performance in 'Buffalo 66' and starred in 'Monster' alongside Charlize Theron. Transitioned to television with a leading role in the series 'Z: The Beginning of Everything,' portraying Zelda Fitzgerald. Founded a production company to develop independent films, and has been recognized for her contributions to the industry through various nominations and awards.
Continue ReadingThomas Campion
A composer, poet, and physician, he was active during the English Renaissance. Campion wrote both music and poetry, often blending the two art forms in his compositions. He contributed significantly to the development of English song, authoring over a hundred songs and poems. His notable works include 'The Fourth Book of Airs' and various poetic collections. Additionally, he gained recognition for his writings on music theory, influencing the practice and understanding of composition in his era.
Continue ReadingÉtienne-Louis Boullée
An influential French architect and educator, a key figure in the evolution of neoclassicism during the 18th century. Boullée proposed grand architectural concepts characterized by monumental simplicity and clarity of form. His designs often included vast interiors and symbolic architecture, meant to evoke strong emotions. Although many of his projects remained unbuilt, they significantly influenced architectural theory and practice. Boullée's work centered on the idea of architecture as a form of art rather than merely a functional craft. His writings, particularly 'Architecture, essai sur l'art', conveyed his vision of a new aesthetic in architecture that combined beauty and proportion. Several of his most notable projects included the Cenotaph for Isaac Newton, which exemplified his innovative approach to space and light.
Continue ReadingJulius Streicher
A prominent German publisher, founded and edited the anti-Semitic newspaper Der Stürmer. Actively participated in the Nazi Party, promoting its ideology through print media. Streicher was a key figure in disseminating propaganda that fostered anti-Semitic sentiments in Germany during the 1930s and 1940s. The newspaper played a significant role in shaping public perception and attitudes towards Jews leading up to and during World War II.
Continue ReadingBrett Kavanaugh
Graduated from Yale College and Yale Law School. Served as a law clerk for Justice Anthony Kennedy. Held positions as Assistant to the President and Staff Secretary under President George W. Bush. Nominated to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit in 2006 and served until 2018. Nominated to the Supreme Court by President Donald Trump and confirmed in October 2018.
Continue ReadingRolf Brem
Born in Switzerland in 1926, this individual was a prominent sculptor and illustrator. A strong emphasis on form and material characterized sculpture work. In addition to sculptures, the artist also created illustrations that showcased a distinct style. Contributions to public art projects and collaborations with galleries highlighted the artistic journey. The work significantly contributed to the Swiss art scene over several decades.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on April 4th
Max Frisch
A prominent playwright and novelist from Switzerland, contributed significantly to German-language literature in the 20th century. In 1964, produced the influential play 'The Fire Raisers', which explored themes of guilt and responsibility. Another notable work, 'I'm Not Stiller', was a critical reflection on identity and self-perception. Frisch's writing often focused on existentialist themes, merging personal and societal concerns in a unique narrative style. Received multiple awards, including the Georg Büchner Prize in 1958.
Continue ReadingDaniel Neal
An English historian and author, this individual specialized in works detailing English history. His most prominent work includes 'The History of New England,' which offered a comprehensive look at the region's historical development. Active in the early 18th century, contributed to historical scholarship and understanding of early American history. Engaged in writing during a period of growing interest in both national and colonial histories, the individual focused on both political and social contexts of the time.
Continue ReadingCurtis Bill Pepper
A journalist and author with a prolific career, contributed to various publications, including the New York Herald Tribune and Time magazine. Wrote several books, often focusing on American culture and history. Worked extensively as a war correspondent during conflicts in Korea and Vietnam. Provided insightful commentary on issues affecting society during his career.
Continue ReadingJérôme Lalande
An accomplished astronomer and academic, significant contributions included works on lunar observations and the study of comets. Held the chair of astronomy at the Collège de France. Published 'Astronomie', a comprehensive work that served as a vital education resource in the field of astronomy. Actively participated in the French Revolution's scientific endeavors and supported the establishment of the Bureau des Longitudes, promoting the advancement of navigation. His analytical work on the movement of celestial bodies contributed to the scientific community's understanding of astronomy during the 18th century.
Continue ReadingFrancisco Marto
A Portuguese saint recognized for his role in the apparitions of Our Lady of Fátima in 1917. Alongside his sister and a cousin, experienced several visions and messages attributed to the Virgin Mary. These events were pivotal in the development of the Catholic devotion to Mary. Died at the young age of 10 due to influenza in 1919, shortly after the apparitions. Canonized by the Roman Catholic Church on May 13, 2017, marking the 100th anniversary of the first apparition.
Continue ReadingRoger Ebert
A prominent American film critic, contributions included reviewing films for the Chicago Sun-Times and co-hosting the television program 'Siskel & Ebert.' Developed a unique style of film criticism that combined thorough analysis with accessibility. Authored several books on film and received the Pulitzer Prize for Criticism in 1975. Played a key role in elevating film criticism to a serious journalistic field, influencing viewers and filmmakers alike. Continued to write even after losing the ability to speak, using a computer-generated voice.
Continue Reading