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
Kim Ji-min
Born on February 12, 2000, in South Korea, this actress gained recognition for her performances in television dramas. Significant roles include appearances in the series 'My Love from the Star' and '25, 21'. Through her talent, she established a presence in the South Korean entertainment industry, appealing to a broad audience and garnering a dedicated fan base.
Continue ReadingJim Harris
An environmentalist and politician, played a significant role in promoting sustainable practices in Canada. Co-founded the Green Party of Canada and served as its leader from 2000 to 2006. Advocated for environmental policies during his tenure and contributed to the integration of green issues into Canadian politics. Worked as a consultant and speaker on environmental matters post-political career, highlighting the importance of ecological sustainability.
Continue ReadingJuan Carlos Ferrero
A prominent tennis player, achieved significant success on the ATP Tour. Secured the French Open title in 2003, defeating Martin Verkerk in the final. Reached the world No. 1 ranking in September 2003, marking a high point in a career that spanned over a decade. Collected a total of 16 ATP singles titles, showcasing talent on both hard and clay courts. Represented Spain in the Davis Cup, contributing to the team's victories. Retired from professional tennis in 2012, leaving a legacy of competitive excellence.
Continue ReadingJohn Henry
Born in 1322, served as the Margrave of Moravia. His reign witnessed challenges from both internal and external opponents. Focused on consolidating power and stabilizing the region during a turbulent period. Engaged in various military campaigns to defend Moravia's territories and maintain Lordship's influence. Strengthened alliances with neighboring regions to bolster Moravia's standing.
Continue ReadingRafinha
A Brazilian footballer, played primarily as a right-back. Started professional career with Coritiba before moving to Europe, joining German club Bayern Munich in 2011. Achieved significant success in the Bundesliga, contributing to multiple championship wins. Also made appearances in UEFA Champions League matches, helping the team to advance in various tournaments. After several years at Bayern, transferred to other clubs, continuing professional career.
Continue ReadingJoan Mitchell
Born in 1925, a significant figure in the abstract expressionism movement, Mitchell moved to Paris in the 1950s and became a prominent artist within the American expatriate community. The artist's works characterized by vibrant colors and dynamic brushwork reflect influences from the natural landscape, particularly from her time spent in the rural Midwest and Provence. Mitchell's paintings often evoke emotional landscapes and have been described as powerful and expressive. She participated in numerous exhibitions, gaining recognition for her contributions to modern art. In addition to painting, the artist also created prints and drawings, showcasing a versatile approach to her craft. Mitchell's legacy continues to influence contemporary artists and is celebrated in art history discussions.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on April 4th
André Masséna
Served as a prominent general during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. Masséna played a critical role in key battles, including the Siege of Genoa and the Battle of Aspern-Essling. He earned the title of Duke of Rivoli for his military feats and was respected for his strategic acumen. In addition to his military successes, he was one of the original marshals of France appointed by Napoleon Bonaparte. His leadership significantly contributed to French victories across Europe, particularly in Italy and Austria. After the fall of Napoleon, he faced challenges during the Restoration period, eventually passing away in 1817.
Continue ReadingJoseph Pitty Couthouy
American conchologist and paleontologist contributed significantly to the study of mollusks. He served as an assistant curator in the Department of Mollusks at the Smithsonian Institution. Couthouy conducted extensive research on the marine invertebrates of the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean. His work included detailed descriptions and classifications of various species, which advanced the field of malacology. His contributions to scientific literature formed a basis for future research in the area of marine biology.
Continue ReadingAlfred Mosher Butts
A game designer developed the popular word game Scrabble in the early 1930s. This game combined elements of crossword puzzles and word games, utilizing letter tiles with varying point values to create words on a grid. Butts created the game while he was seeking a way to combine his interests in architecture and word play. It was initially called 'Lexiko' before being renamed Scrabble. The game gained popularity after its commercial launch in 1948, leading to a successful partnership with game manufacturer Selchow and Righter. The game's enduring appeal has resulted in numerous editions and variations, establishing a lasting legacy in the realm of board games.
Continue ReadingChus Lampreave
Participated in Spanish cinema and theater from the 1950s to the 2010s. Worked with notable directors and appeared in numerous films and plays. Gained recognition for emotive performances that contributed to the cultural landscape of Spanish arts. Collaborated with director Pedro Almodóvar in several films, including 'Talk to Her' and 'The Flower of My Secret'. Received various awards throughout her career, celebrating talent and dedication to acting.
Continue ReadingBoone Guyton
Served as a lieutenant and pilot in the United States Navy. Contributed to naval aviation efforts and played a significant role in military operations. Participated in numerous missions during a distinguished career, particularly noted for service in the Vietnam War. Demonstrated leadership and piloting skills in various challenging situations. Retired with accolades for military service and dedication to duty.
Continue ReadingSimion Stoilow
Contributed significantly to the field of mathematics, particularly in functional analysis and the theory of complex variables. Developed the Stoilow decomposition theorem, which classifies holomorphic functions on Riemann surfaces. Served as a professor at the University of Bucharest, influencing future generations of mathematicians. Actively participated in mathematical societies and organizations, promoting the advancement of mathematics in Romania.
Continue Reading