Richard Mentor Johnson
American politician and Vice President

Born
October 17th, 1780
244 years ago
Died
November 19th, 1850
174 years ago — 70 years old
Category
Leaders & Politicians
Country
United States
Links & References
Served as the ninth Vice President of the United States under Martin Van Buren from 1837 to 1841. Represented Kentucky in the United States House of Representatives and later in the Senate. Played a significant role in various legislative initiatives during the early 19th century, particularly in relation to military affairs and land policies. His tenure as Vice President included involvement in the economic issues of the time, particularly the financial panic of 1837.
Served as Vice President under Martin Van Buren
Represented Kentucky in the House and Senate
Other People Born on October 17th
Darío Sala
Born in Argentina, this footballer played as a goalkeeper. Throughout a career spanning several clubs, he gained recognition in the Argentine Primera División and in international leagues. Notably, served as the keeper for Newell's Old Boys, playing a crucial role during the late 1990s. Later, he played for teams in Mexico and Spain, further enhancing his reputation. Transitioned into coaching, providing expertise to aspiring goalkeepers. Became known for contributions to the sport, both on the field and as a coach.
Continue ReadingRobert Jordan
A soldier served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Transitioned to writing, creating an acclaimed epic fantasy series. The Wheel of Time series gained significant popularity, comprising 14 novels published between 1990 and 2013. The intricate world-building and detailed characters contributed to its success, influencing the fantasy genre. The series became a cornerstone of modern fantasy literature.
Continue ReadingJerry Siegel
An author and illustrator, contributed to the comic book industry through the creation of Superman, one of the most iconic characters in popular culture. Collaborated with Joe Shuster to develop the character in the early 1930s, which led to the first Superman comic book published in Action Comics #1 in 1938. The character's immense popularity established the superhero genre and influenced countless comic book creators. Worked for several publishers over the years and engaged in various legal battles regarding authorship rights.
Continue ReadingSharon Leal
An American actress and singer gained recognition for performances in film and television. Achieved notable acclaim for the role of Michelle in the film 'Dreamgirls'. Had a significant role in the television series 'Guiding Light'. Appeared in various other television series, showcasing versatility in both drama and comedy.
Continue ReadingVincent Van Patten
Vincent Van Patten achieved success as a professional tennis player and later transitioned to an acting career. As a tennis player, reached a career-high singles ranking of World No. 26 and played in all four Grand Slam tournaments. His acting career prominently featured a role in the television series '7th Heaven', portraying the character of Mary Camden's boyfriend. In addition to acting, has worked as a commentator for tennis events and co-founded a successful poker tour.
Continue ReadingBob Seagren
An American pole vaulter excelled in the sport during the 1960s and 1970s. Secured a gold medal at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City, setting a personal best and Olympic record at 5.40 meters. Dominated national competitions, winning multiple AAU titles and contributing to the sport's popularity during that era.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on November 19th
Jean-Georges Noverre
Significant contributions to the development of ballet included the introduction of narrative and expressiveness in dance. Created ballets that incorporated character development and dramatic storytelling, transforming ballet from a purely technical form to one that also conveyed emotion. Authored 'Letters on Dancing and Ballets,' advocating for reforms in the ballet genre and influencing future generations of dancers and choreographers. Served as the ballet master at numerous prestigious institutions, including the Stuttgart Court Theatre and the Paris Opera.
Continue ReadingGrant Adcox
Competed in NASCAR during the 1980s, Adcox participated in multiple events across various circuits. Gained recognition for his performances in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series. Primarily drove for the team owned by his father and later established his own racing team. Experienced several notable finishes, contributing to the competitive landscape of the series. Suffered a tragic accident during a race in 1989, which ultimately led to his death.
Continue ReadingBona Sforza
Served as Queen consort of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth through marriage to Sigismund I the Old. Played a significant role in political affairs during her husband's reign. Actively engaged in the administration and governance of the kingdom, promoting agricultural and economic reform. Her influence extended to cultural and architectural developments in Poland, particularly noted for introducing Renaissance styles. After her death, her legacy continued to shape royal alliances in Europe.
Continue ReadingTed Fujita
Born in Japan, an academic and meteorologist focused on severe weather research. Developed the Fujita scale for measuring tornado intensity, which was widely adopted in meteorology. Contributed to advancements in understanding storm dynamics and the effects of severe weather phenomena. Conducted extensive studies following major tornado events and published significant papers on the subject. Emigrated to the United States, where research and educational activities continued until retirement.
Continue ReadingMel Tillis
Esteemed American singer-songwriter and guitarist excelled in country music. Gained prominence in the 1950s and 1960s. Known for a vocal style characterized by a stutter and a staggering ability to craft memorable songs. Several hits achieved commercial success, solidifying a legacy in the music industry.
Continue ReadingBabe Birrer
A professional baseball player participated in Major League Baseball primarily as a pitcher. Played for the St. Louis Cardinals from 1943 to 1945. Also played for the Boston Braves during his career. Contributed to the team's efforts during World War II when many players were enlisted in the military. After his playing career, engaged in various roles within the sport, including coaching and scouting.
Continue Reading