Samuel Argall
English captain and colonial governor
Served as a captain in the early 17th century, played a significant role in the establishment and governance of the Virginia Colony. His leadership included various expeditions and diplomacy with Indigenous tribes. Argall is also recognized for his political influence during his tenure as governor. His efforts to sustain the colony contributed to the expansion of English presence in North America.
Governed the Virginia Colony from 1617 to 1621
Led expeditions that shaped early colonial policies
Other People Born on December 4th
Jean Chapelain
French poet and literary critic
Born
December 4th, 1595 430 years ago
Died
February 22nd, 1674 351 years ago — 78 years old
A prominent figure in 17th-century French literature, contributed to the development of French poetry and criticism. Served as a member of the French Academy, influencing literary standards of the time. Wrote the epic poem 'La Pucelle', which gained attention for its themes and form. Championed a new approach to the poetic structure that emphasized clarity and elegance.
Continue ReadingPeta Hiku
Rugby league player, New Zealand national team
Born
December 4th, 1992 33 years ago
Played professional rugby league primarily as a centre and fullback. Started career with the Warriors in the NRL before moving to the Penrith Panthers. Represented New Zealand in international competitions. Secured a spot on the Kiwis for the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.
Continue ReadingJoe Corbett
Baseball player and coach in MLB
Born
December 4th, 1875 150 years ago
Died
May 2nd, 1945 80 years ago — 69 years old
Played as a pitcher in Major League Baseball. Competed for teams including the New York Giants and the Philadelphia Phillies. Transitioned to a coaching role after his playing career. Coached various minor league teams following his retirement, contributing to the development of upcoming players.
Continue ReadingAndy Hess
American bass player for Gov't Mule
Born
December 4th, 1966 59 years ago
Bass player contributed to the formation of the rock band Gov't Mule in 1994. Collaborated with various artists across genres, showcasing versatility in performances. Played on multiple albums, enhancing the band's sound and appeal. Participated in numerous tours and live performances, gaining a reputation within the jam band scene.
Continue ReadingHannes Hafstein
Icelandic poet and first Prime Minister
Born
December 4th, 1861 164 years ago
Died
December 13th, 1922 103 years ago — 61 years old
Born in 1861, contributed significantly to Icelandic literature and politics. Served as the first Prime Minister of Iceland from 1904 to 1907. Actively engaged in promoting Iceland's cultural identity through poetry and political advocacy.
Continue ReadingJohn Giorno
Performance artist and poet
Born
December 4th, 1936 89 years ago
Died
2019 7 years ago — 83 years old
Born in 1936, a prominent figure in the New York City arts scene, focused on poetry and performance art. Began the Dial-A-Poem service, which allowed individuals to call a number to hear poetry recited. His work often integrated visual art and multimedia elements. An early advocate for the intersection of art and activism, particularly during the AIDS crisis in the 1980s. Giorno's projects included collaborations with various artists and contributions to the avant-garde movement.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on January 24th
George Cukor
American film director and producer
Born
July 7th, 1899 126 years ago
Died
January 24th, 1983 43 years ago — 83 years old
Cukor directed several acclaimed films during his career, primarily in the mid-20th century. His direction of 'My Fair Lady' earned him an Academy Award for Best Director. Other notable works include 'The Philadelphia Story' and 'A Star Is Born'. Cukor's emphasis on character development and strong performances contributed to his reputation in Hollywood.
Continue ReadingPercy French
Irish songwriter and entertainer
Born
1854 172 years ago
Died
January 24th, 1920 106 years ago — 66 years old
Originated from Ireland, this individual was a prominent songwriter, entertainer, and artist, actively engaging audiences through musical performances and lyrical compositions. French became a significant figure in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, often blending humor and social commentary in works. His songs captured the spirit of the Irish experience and reflected contemporary issues. Beyond songwriting, he also excelled in visual arts, showcasing talent in painting and illustration. His contributions to the cultural landscape of Ireland have been enduring.
Continue ReadingGeorge Rooke
Admiral and politician in England
Born
1650 376 years ago
Died
January 24th, 1709 317 years ago — 59 years old
Served as an English admiral and political figure in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Achieved significant military success during the War of the Spanish Succession. Commanded British naval forces at the Battle of Vigo Bay in 1702. Contributed to naval tactics and fleet composition during pivotal engagements.
Continue ReadingStanley Lord
Naval captain associated with Titanic
Born
September 13th, 1877 148 years ago
Died
January 24th, 1962 64 years ago — 84 years old
Served as a captain in the British merchant navy. Gained notoriety for commanding the SS Californian during the Titanic disaster in 1912. The vessel was closest to the Titanic but did not respond to distress signals in a timely manner, leading to significant historical scrutiny. His actions and inactions on that night were heavily discussed in inquiries and public debates over maritime safety and protocols.
Continue ReadingHenry Worsley
Explorer and Antarctic adventurer
Born
October 4th, 1960 65 years ago
Died
January 24th, 2016 10 years ago — 55 years old
Accomplished a solo trek across Antarctica in 2016, covering over 900 miles. Began this journey on November 13, 2015, aiming to traverse the continent unassisted. Faced extreme weather and challenging conditions during the expedition. The adventure ended with a rescue attempt needed due to illness, which unfortunately resulted in death during the mission.
Continue ReadingFredrik Barth
Anthropologist and academic
Born
December 22nd, 1928 97 years ago
Died
January 24th, 2016 10 years ago — 87 years old
A German-Norwegian anthropologist contributed significantly to the field of anthropology, particularly in the study of social organization, ethnicity, and cultural change. Barth's work involved extensive field research, especially among the Pashtun of Afghanistan and the communities of Norway. His influential book, 'Types of Social Organization,' provided important insights into the dynamics of ethnic groups and cultural interactions. Barth's approach to anthropological fieldwork emphasized the significance of social context and the roles of local actors. His academic career included a long tenure at the University of Bergen, where he played a critical role in shaping the anthropology department.
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