Ray Harroun
Race car driver and engineer, Marmon Wasp

Born
January 12th, 1879
146 years ago
Died
January 19th, 1968
57 years ago — 89 years old
Category
Athletes & Sports Figures
Country
United States
Links & References
An American race car driver and engineer, contributed significantly to the evolution of motorsports. Achieved fame by winning the inaugural Indianapolis 500 in 1911 driving the Marmon Wasp. Pioneered the use of rearview mirrors in automobiles to enhance driver safety and visibility. Harroun's innovations and racing strategies played a crucial role in shaping early 20th-century auto racing.
Won the first Indianapolis 500 in 1911
Developed the rearview mirror in racing cars
Other People Born on January 12th
Amerie
An American singer-songwriter, producer, and writer emerged in the early 2000s, gaining prominence with the release of the hit single '1 Thing' from the album 'Touch.' This work showcased a distinctive blend of R&B and hip-hop elements. The artist's debut album, 'All I Have,' also received critical acclaim, including a Grammy nomination. Beyond music, involvement in writing and production illustrated versatility and creativity in the entertainment industry.
Continue ReadingIssa Rae
An American actress, writer, and director, known for creating and starring in the HBO series Insecure. Originating from Los Angeles, a web series titled The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl launched a successful career. This web series depicted the complexities of life as a young Black woman and garnered critical acclaim. Rae has also contributed to various other projects, showcasing talent in producing and directing.
Continue ReadingSamuel Langdon
A prominent figure in early American religious thought, played a significant role in the Great Awakening and served as president of Harvard College from 1774 to 1780. Contributed to theological education and debate during formative years of the United States. Authored various sermons and writings that influenced religious and academic circles. Actively engaged in public discourse on moral and social issues, promoting education and theology.
Continue ReadingAllisha Gray
A professional basketball player, played for the Dallas Wings and the Atlanta Dream in the WNBA. Contributed to the championship victory of the South Carolina Gamecocks in NCAA women's basketball. Achieved recognition for scoring ability and defensive skills throughout the career. Also earned a gold medal with the USA Women's U18 National Team.
Continue ReadingFrank J. Corr
Served as the 45th Mayor of Chicago from 1911 to 1915. During tenure, focused on urban development and public infrastructure improvements. Oversaw various initiatives aimed at modernizing city services and enhancing civic engagement. Advocated for policies that impacted the local economy and community welfare.
Continue ReadingOlivier Martinez
Born in France, an actor rose to prominence in the 1990s with a series of film roles. Gained international recognition for a leading performance in 'Unfaithful' alongside Diane Lane. Also appeared in films such as 'The Horseman on the Roof' and 'S.W.A.T.'. Worked in both French and American cinema, showcasing a range of characters across genres.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on January 19th
Athanasios Christopoulos
A prominent poet during the 19th century, contributed to the development of modern Greek literature. His poetry often reflected themes of love, nature, and national identity amid Greece's struggle for independence. Notably associated with the Romantic movement, highlighted the beauty of Greek landscapes and the Greek spirit. His works were influential in shaping national consciousness and were pivotal in the literary scene of his time.
Continue ReadingHerbert Wehner
A prominent German politician, served as a member of the Social Democratic Party (SPD). Played a significant role in intra-German relations during the Cold War. Focused on dialogue and diplomacy between East and West Germany. Elected to the Bundestag multiple times and held various influential positions, ultimately becoming the Minister of Intra-German Relations from 1969 to 1974. Contributed to shaping the policies that aimed to ease tensions between the two German states.
Continue ReadingSheila Sim
An English actress appeared in numerous films and television productions during a career spanning several decades. Significant work includes the lead role in 'The Magic Box,' which earned critical acclaim. In addition to film, participation in stage productions added to the body of work. Sim also made various television appearances, contributing to series and one-off dramas. Later, served as a prominent figure in charitable endeavors, particularly in relation to the arts.
Continue ReadingMarcus Gheeraerts the Younger
This Flemish painter specialized in portraiture and contributed significantly to the art of the late Renaissance. Active mainly in England, his work had a distinct style characterized by detailed realism and vibrant color palettes. Received royal patronage from Queen Elizabeth I and gained recognition for his ability to capture likeness and personality in his subjects. Major works include portraits of notable figures such as Sir Francis Drake and various members of the English court. The artist's influence persisted beyond his lifetime, marking a notable presence in the history of British art.
Continue ReadingGiovanni Niccolò Servandoni
An architect and painter who contributed significantly to the Baroque style in France and Italy. His work included the design of impressive structures and interiors, as well as multiple paintings that showcased his artistic talents. Notable works encompassed contributions to the Saint-Sulpice church in Paris and the decoration of the Hôtel de Ville. Additionally, served as a theater designer, creating sets for operatic productions. Renowned for integrating architectural design with painting, his innovative techniques influenced future generations of architects and artists.
Continue ReadingClement Smoot
Clement Smoot was an American golfer active in the mid-20th century. He achieved significant success on the professional golf circuit. Smoot participated in several prestigious tournaments and was recognized for his skills on the course. In addition to competing regularly, he contributed to the golf community through coaching and mentoring younger players. His experiences and dedication helped shape the sport during that era.
Continue Reading