Sam B. Hall Jr.
American lawyer and politician
A prominent figure in American law and politics, this individual served as a U.S. Representative from Texas from 1975 to 1981. The individual practiced law and held various legal positions prior to entering politics. As a judge, decisions shaped certain aspects of legal proceedings in the jurisdiction. Active in Democratic Party politics, the individual contributed to local and state legislative efforts.
Served as U.S. Representative from Texas
Held positions in the Texas judiciary
Other People Born on January 11th
Albert Hofmann
Swiss chemist who discovered LSD
Born
January 11th, 1906 120 years ago
Died
April 29th, 2008 17 years ago — 102 years old
A prominent Swiss chemist and academic, contributed significantly to the field of pharmaceuticals. Synthesized lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) in 1938 while working at Sandoz Laboratories. First ingested LSD personally in 1943, leading to the discovery of its psychedelic effects. Conducted further research on hallucinogenic substances and their potential therapeutic uses. Authored several books on psychedelic substances and their implications in psychology and culture.
Continue ReadingConstantin Fehrenbach
Chancellor of Weimar Germany
Born
January 11th, 1852 174 years ago
Died
March 26th, 1926 99 years ago — 74 years old
Served as the 4th Chancellor of Weimar Germany from 1920 to 1921. Before assuming the chancellorship, held various political roles, including leadership positions in the German People's Party. Advocated for democratic principles during a tumultuous period in German history, focusing on stabilizing the government amid significant political and economic challenges. Resigned during a critical financial crisis, which highlighted the difficulties faced by the Weimar Republic.
Continue ReadingAlan Paton
South African author and activist
Born
January 11th, 1903 123 years ago
Died
April 12th, 1988 37 years ago — 85 years old
An influential author and political activist, contributed significantly to anti-apartheid movements in South Africa. Wrote the acclaimed novel "Cry, the Beloved Country," which highlighted the struggles of apartheid. Engaged in various social and political issues throughout his life, working to promote human rights and social justice. Served as the first president of the South African Liberal Party from its founding in 1953 until 1968.
Continue ReadingMatt Mullenweg
Web developer and WordPress co-creator
Born
January 11th, 1984 42 years ago
A web developer and businessman, played a pivotal role in the creation of WordPress, a widely used content management system. Co-founded Automattic, a company that offers various web services including WooCommerce and Jetpack. Mullenweg advocates for open source software and has contributed significantly to the web publishing landscape. Frequently speaks at technology conferences and events, sharing insights on software development and entrepreneurship.
Continue ReadingLaurens Hammond
Engineer and Founder of Hammond Organ
Born
January 11th, 1895 131 years ago
Died
1973 53 years ago — 78 years old
Born in 1895, an engineer and businessman established the Hammond Clock Company, which later developed the Hammond organ. The Hammond organ became a staple in various music genres, including jazz, rock, and gospel. The company produced innovative instruments that significantly changed the landscape of music performance and recording. His work in electromechanical design and music technology contributed to the evolution of organ music during the 20th century.
Continue ReadingAbd-ar-Rahman III
Caliph of Córdoba and Umayyad leader
Born
January 11th, 889 1137 years ago
Became the first Caliph of Córdoba in 929 and established the Umayyad Caliphate in al-Andalus. Reinforced the power and prestige of Córdoba, making it a center of culture, science, and trade in the medieval world. Oversaw significant architectural advancements including the expansion of the Great Mosque of Córdoba. Cultivated relationships with various scholars, poets, and intellectuals, promoting a flourishing cultural environment.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on April 10th
Lorenzo Antonetti
Italian cardinal and religious leader
Born
1922 104 years ago
Died
April 10th, 2013 12 years ago — 91 years old
Served as a cardinal in the Roman Catholic Church. Held various positions within the church hierarchy, including as the Bishop of the Diocese of Taranto. Contributed to numerous church activities and events, fostering religious community and engagement. Participated in the Holy See's diplomatic missions and ecumenical dialogues. Advocated for church teachings and moral guidance throughout his tenure.
Continue ReadingKarl Leonhard Reinhold
Austrian philosopher and academic
Born
October 26th, 1757 268 years ago
Died
April 10th, 1823 202 years ago — 65 years old
Contributed to the development of German Idealism and played a significant role in the philosophical education of the time. Emphasized the importance of ethical considerations in philosophy and sought to bridge the gap between rationalism and empiricism. Worked closely with prominent thinkers such as Immanuel Kant and influenced later philosophers through lectures and writings. Authored several key texts that outlined his philosophical positions and defended critical ideas of his contemporaries.
Continue ReadingFevzi Çakmak
Turkish field marshal and Prime Minister
Born
January 12th, 1876 150 years ago
Died
April 10th, 1950 75 years ago — 74 years old
Served as a prominent military leader and politician in Turkey. Held the position of Prime Minister of the Turkish Provisional Government during a critical period. Played a significant role in the establishment of the Republic of Turkey following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire. Took part in various military campaigns, contributing to the Turkish War of Independence, and emphasized modernization within the military framework. His leadership was pivotal during the foundation years of the nation, influencing both military and political strategies that shaped Turkey's future.
Continue ReadingAuguste Lumière
Film director and producer of cinema
Born
October 19th, 1862 163 years ago
Died
April 10th, 1954 71 years ago — 91 years old
Contributed significantly to the early development of the motion picture industry. As one of the Lumière brothers, participated in the invention of the Cinématographe, a pioneering motion picture camera, and projector. Produced some of the first films, including 'La Sortie de l'Usine Lumière à Lyon' and 'L'Arrivée d'un Train en Gare de La Ciotat'. Exported film technology worldwide, influencing the growth of cinema. Involved in the early integration of film with photography, enhancing visual storytelling techniques.
Continue ReadingHendrik Nicolaas Werkman
Dutch printer and typographer
Born
April 29th, 1882 143 years ago
Died
April 10th, 1945 80 years ago — 62 years old
A significant figure in the field of printing and typography, focused on experimental graphics and typographical design. Werkman established his own printing workshop in Groningen, where innovative techniques were employed. He produced unique works that merged philosophy, poetry, and visual art, influencing the modern graphic design movement. His works, particularly those from the 1940s, showcased a distinctive blend of color and form, contributing greatly to modern typographic practices. Werkman was also involved with the Dutch resistance during World War II.
Continue ReadingChris Hani
South African activist and politician
Born
June 28th, 1942 83 years ago
Died
April 10th, 1993 32 years ago — 50 years old
Played a crucial role in the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa. Served as the general secretary of the South African Communist Party and a leader in the African National Congress's armed wing, Umkhonto we Sizwe. Advocated for democratic rights and social justice, contributing significantly to the negotiations that ended apartheid. Assassinated in 1993, leading to widespread protests and calls for peace during a tense political period.
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