René Préval
Haitian agronomist and president
An agronomist and politician served as the 52nd President of Haiti from 1996 to 2001 and again from 2006 to 2011. Prior to his presidency, held the position of Prime Minister in 1991. Contributed to rebuilding efforts and governance reforms during two non-consecutive terms. Worked on initiatives to improve agriculture, education, and infrastructure within Haiti amidst numerous challenges.
Served as President of Haiti twice
Held the office of Prime Minister in 1991
Other People Born on January 17th
David Beatty
Admiral, 1st Earl Beatty
Born
January 17th, 1871 154 years ago
Died
1936 89 years ago — 65 years old
Born in 1871, an English admiral who played a significant role during World War I, particularly in naval battles. Commanded the British Grand Fleet during the Battle of Jutland in 1916, one of the largest naval engagements in history. Served as the Commander-in-Chief of the Atlantic Fleet after the war, contributing to the modernization of the British Navy. Received the title of 1st Earl Beatty in 1919 for distinguished service in the Royal Navy.
Continue ReadingJohn Cater
English actor in television and film
Born
January 17th, 1932 93 years ago
Died
2009 16 years ago — 77 years old
An English actor gained attention in both television and film during a career spanning several decades. Prominent roles included appearances in the classic series 'Doctor Who' and 'The Prisoner'. Cater also featured in films like 'The Great Escape' and 'The Amorous Prawn', showcasing versatility in performance across various genres. His contributions to British entertainment left a mark on the industry.
Continue ReadingWilliam Vernon
American businessman and merchant leader
Born
January 17th, 1719 306 years ago
Died
December 22nd, 1806 218 years ago — 87 years old
Engaged in the slave trade and other commercial enterprises in colonial America. Actively participated in the growth of trade networks and contributed to the economic landscape of his time. Held significant influence among early American merchants, especially in maritime commerce. Also involved in the political affairs of the colony, supporting local interests during a period of rising tension with British authorities.
Continue ReadingAugust Weismann
German biologist and geneticist, germinal theory
Born
January 17th, 1834 191 years ago
Died
1914 111 years ago — 80 years old
A prominent German biologist and geneticist contributed significantly to the understanding of heredity. Weismann proposed the germ plasm theory, which posited that only the germ cells are responsible for inheritance, thus challenging the ideas of acquired traits being passed to offspring. His work laid the foundation for modern genetics. Weismann's research included investigations into the development and mechanisms of evolution, reinforcing the notion of a separation between somatic and germ cells. His ideas influenced future genetic research and the formulation of evolutionary theory.
Continue ReadingStanisław August Poniatowski
Polish-Lithuanian King during the Enlightenment
Born
January 17th, 1732 293 years ago
Died
1798 227 years ago — 66 years old
Ruled as the last King of Poland from 1764 to 1795, playing a crucial role in the political landscape of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. His reign was marked by an effort to reform the government and modernize the country’s institutions. An advocate of the Enlightenment, he promoted arts and culture, leading to the establishment of the National Theatre and the first constitution in Europe in 1791. Despite his efforts, faced resistance from neighboring powers, which ultimately led to the partitions of Poland.
Continue ReadingA. B. Frost
Illustrator and author of children's books
Born
January 17th, 1851 174 years ago
Died
June 22nd, 1928 97 years ago — 77 years old
A significant contributor to children's literature, this individual illustrated numerous works that became staples in American storytelling. The artistic style combined with whimsical themes captivated young audiences. Works included contributions to notable publications and collaborations with acclaimed authors. The art captured the essence of childhood adventures, often portraying scenes from everyday life in a playful manner. This individual's illustrations adorned classics and helped shape the visual language of children's books during the late 19th century.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on March 3rd
Carlos Marcello
Tunisian-American gangster and mob leader
Born
February 6th, 1910 115 years ago
Died
March 3rd, 1993 32 years ago — 83 years old
Born in Tunisia and later migrating to the United States, a prominent mob figure within the New Orleans organized crime scene. Marcello gained influence during the mid-20th century, becoming a key leader of the New Orleans crime family. Operated in various illegal enterprises including racketeering, gambling, and vice operations. Enumerated in connections to national crime syndicates and was implicated in significant events, including allegations related to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Involved in numerous legal battles throughout life, including deportation attempts and federal investigations, often managing to evade conviction.
Continue ReadingWilliam Douglas
Scottish nobleman and 10th Earl of Angus
Born
1552 473 years ago
Died
March 3rd, 1611 414 years ago — 59 years old
Served as a prominent Scottish nobleman during the late 16th and early 17th centuries. Held the title of 10th Earl of Angus, an important role within Scottish aristocracy. Engaged in various political and military affairs of the time. Participated in conflicts and power struggles that shaped the governance of Scotland. Additionally, was involved in the governance of Dalkeith and the administration of his estates during a turbulent period in Scottish history, which included the Union of Crowns.
Continue ReadingRobert Hooke
Architect and philosopher, Micrographia author
Born
1635 390 years ago
Died
March 3rd, 1703 322 years ago — 68 years old
An English architect and philosopher, contributed to various fields including physics, biology, and astronomy. His most significant work, 'Micrographia', published in 1665, showcased detailed observations of microscopic life and materials. Hooke formulated Hooke's Law of elasticity, describing the relationship between the force applied to a spring and its elongation. He served as the curator of experiments at the Royal Society, where he conducted numerous experiments in the study of optics and mechanics. His architectural designs included a role in the reconstruction of London after the Great Fire of 1666, notably contributing to St. Paul's Cathedral.
Continue ReadingKeith Alexander
English football manager and player
Born
1956 69 years ago
Died
March 3rd, 2010 15 years ago — 54 years old
Played football as a forward with notable clubs including Lincoln City, where he made significant contributions as a player. Transitioned to management, successfully leading clubs such as Stevenage Borough and Lincoln City. Managed clubs in various divisions and gained recognition for tactical acumen and player development. Achieved promotions with teams under management, demonstrating capability in competitive leagues.
Continue ReadingGeorge Gilman
Businessman, founder of A&P grocery chain
Born
1826 199 years ago
Died
March 3rd, 1901 124 years ago — 75 years old
Established The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company, which became one of the first supermarket chains in the United States. This venture focused on grocery distribution and retail, significantly shaping the food market in America during the late 19th century. Under leadership, the company expanded rapidly, influencing consumer habits and retail practices. Gilman's business strategies and innovations in food distribution contributed to the layout and operational methods of modern supermarkets.
Continue ReadingCharles J. Urstadt
Real estate executive and investor
Born
1928 97 years ago
Died
March 3rd, 2020 5 years ago — 92 years old
A real estate executive and investor, contributed significantly to the field of real estate development and management. Served as the president of Urstadt Biddle Properties Inc., a real estate investment trust. The organization specialized in retail and commercial properties in the northeastern United States, particularly in New York and Connecticut. Held key roles in investment and acquisition projects that enhanced local economies through property development. Actively participated in various real estate industry organizations and initiatives, promoting investment and sustainable practices in urban development.
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