Robert Comtesse

Swiss lawyer and politician

Robert Comtesse - Swiss lawyer and politician
Born

August 14th, 1847
177 years ago

Died

November 17th, 1922
102 years ago — 75 years old

Category

Leaders & Politicians

Country

Switzerland

Links & References

Born in 1847, this individual served as a prominent figure in Swiss politics. Contributed to legal reforms and engaged in public service as a member of the Swiss Federal Council, serving from 1881 to 1889. Held the position of head of the Department of Justice and Police, focusing on legislative and judicial matters. Played a significant role in the establishment of modern Swiss legal frameworks and governance structures.

Served as a member of the Swiss Federal Council

Led the Department of Justice and Police

Other People Born on August 14th

Pierre Schaeffer

Composer and producer of musique concrète
Born
August 14th, 1910 114 years ago
Died
August 19th, 1995 29 years ago — 85 years old

Born in France, this individual developed musique concrète, a form of experimental music that uses recorded natural sounds as raw material. He worked as a radio producer and composer, and began the interdisciplinary use of sound in art and music. The creation of the GRM (Groupe de Recherches Musicales) in 1958 marked a significant moment in the exploration of electronic music and sound manipulation. The contributions to sound and music aesthetics influenced generations of composers and musicians.

Continue Reading

Paul Gallen

Rugby League Player and Boxer
Born
August 14th, 1981 43 years ago

This individual played professional rugby league in Australia, primarily for the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks in the National Rugby League (NRL). Career spanned from 2001 to 2019, predominantly as a lock and front row forward. Notable achievements include winning the 2016 NRL Premiership with the Sharks. Also represented New South Wales in the State of Origin series and played for Australia in international competitions. Transitioned to boxing after retirement from rugby, engaging in several professional matches including notable fights against other athletes from different sports. Later took up a role as a sports commentator and analyst, providing insights on rugby league and boxing.

Continue Reading

Theodor Luts

Estonian director and cinematographer
Born
August 14th, 1896 128 years ago
Died
September 24th, 1980 44 years ago — 84 years old

Contributed significantly to Estonian cinema during the 20th century. Directed the film "Viimne reliikvia" in 1969, which became a pivotal work in the national film industry. Produced films that often depicted the struggles and joys of Estonian life, reflecting historical and cultural themes. Collaborated with other artists to promote Estonian cinema on the international stage. Served as a mentor to a generation of filmmakers, leaving a lasting legacy in the field of cinematography.

Continue Reading

Ander Herrera

Spanish footballer and Manchester United player
Born
August 14th, 1989 35 years ago

A professional footballer, he played as a midfielder. Started career with Real Zaragoza, appearing in over 100 matches. Transferred to Manchester United in 2014, making significant contributions to the team. Won the FA Cup, EFL Cup, and UEFA Europa League with Manchester United. After a successful spell in England, joined Paris Saint-Germain in 2020. His playing style is characterized by creativity, tactical intelligence, and work rate on the pitch.

Continue Reading

Ernest Everett Just

American biologist and academic
Born
August 14th, 1883 141 years ago
Died
1941 84 years ago — 58 years old

Contributions to the field of biology, particularly in cell biology and embryology, defined a significant portion of early 20th-century research. Studied at Dartmouth College and later obtained a doctorate from the University of Chicago. Research focused on the development of marine organisms, including the fertilization and development of eggs. Pioneered work on the role of the nucleus and the cytoplasm in the embryonic development process. Served as a professor and had a notable influence on the education of African American scientists and students.

Continue Reading

Cosimo III de' Medici

Grand Duke of Tuscany
Born
August 14th, 1642 382 years ago
Died
October 31st, 1723 301 years ago — 81 years old

Ruled as Grand Duke of Tuscany from 1670 to 1723, overseeing a period marked by significant economic and cultural development. His reign followed a long lineage of the Medici family, characterized by their influence in politics, education, and the arts. Led various initiatives to strengthen Tuscany's economy, including promoting trade and agriculture. Established the Accademia della Crusca and supported the arts, commissioning works from prominent artists. His diplomatic efforts contributed to maintaining stability in Tuscany during a time of political turbulence in Italy.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on November 17th

Kuki Yoshitaka

Japanese military commander and samurai
Born
1542 483 years ago
Died
November 17th, 1600 424 years ago — 58 years old

Served as a prominent commander during the late Sengoku period in Japan. Held the position of naval commander for the Kuki clan and played a significant role in naval battles against rival factions. Notably participated in the Battle of Cagayan in 1582, showcasing naval strength and strategy. Engaged in conflicts involving trade routes and piracy, contributing to the military dynamics of the region. Became influential within regional politics, impacting the balance of power among clans during this tumultuous era.

Continue Reading

Robert Hofstadter

American physicist and Nobel laureate
Born
1915 110 years ago
Died
November 17th, 1990 34 years ago — 75 years old

A physicist conducted pioneering research in the structure of nucleons through electron scattering experiments. Contributed significantly to the field of quantum electrodynamics and understanding of strong interactions. Received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1961 for his work in measuring the charge distribution within the proton and neutron, which advanced knowledge in particle physics. Held academic positions at Stanford University, influencing the next generation of physicists.

Continue Reading

Gladys Cooper

English actress and singer
Born
December 18th, 1888 136 years ago
Died
November 17th, 1971 53 years ago — 82 years old

An English actress and singer achieved acclaim in both film and theater. Career began in the early 1900s on stage, transitioning to film in the 1910s. Notable stage works included performances in 'The Royal Family' and 'What Every Woman Knows'. In cinema, key roles were in 'The Letter', 'Mary of Scotland', and 'My Fair Lady'. Recognized for her remarkable versatility and strong presence, also performed extensively on radio and television later in her career.

Continue Reading

John Walter

Insurance underwriter and newspaper founder
Died
November 17th, 1812 212 years ago — None years old

An English insurance underwriter established The Times newspaper in 1785, which became one of the first daily national newspapers in the country. Walter's work in journalism transformed public access to news and information. His innovations in printing helped to modernize the newspaper industry. He played a significant role in ensuring that quality journalism flourished during his time, contributing to the role of journalism in shaping public opinion.

Continue Reading

Alain-René Lesage

French author and playwright of Turcaret
Born
May 6th, 1668 357 years ago
Died
November 17th, 1747 277 years ago — 79 years old

An influential French author and playwright, contributions primarily included novels and plays that showcased sharp wit and social commentary. The work 'Turcaret' marked a significant moment in French literature, blending comedy with critiques of contemporary society. Lesage also produced various other plays, novels, and works that emphasized character-driven narratives and humor. His literary style influenced future generations of writers and playwrights within the French artistic movement.

Continue Reading

Alexander Ragulin

Ice hockey player and Olympic champion
Born
1941 84 years ago
Died
November 17th, 2004 20 years ago — 63 years old

Played as a defenseman in ice hockey, primarily for the Soviet national team. Contributed to the team's success in multiple international competitions throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Participated in four Olympic Games from 1956 to 1972, securing gold medals in 1964 and 1968. Also played for CSKA Moscow, becoming one of the team’s standout players during the Soviet Championship era. Regarded as a skilled and reliable defender, he left a lasting legacy in Russian ice hockey.

Continue Reading