Samuel de Champlain

French explorer of New France

Samuel de Champlain - French explorer of New France
Born

August 13th, 1567
457 years ago

Died

December 25th, 1635
389 years ago — 68 years old

Category

Explorers & Adventurers

Country

France

Links & References

An early 17th-century explorer, significant contributions included the founding of Quebec City in 1608. Established trade relationships with Indigenous peoples and mapped significant portions of North America. Documented the geography and local cultures, leading to further European exploration. Played a vital role in the French colonization of North America, promoting settlement and expansion in the region.

Founded Quebec City in 1608

Mapped large areas of North America

Established trade with Indigenous peoples

Other People Born on August 13th

Rohinton Fali Nariman

Judge at the Supreme Court of India
Born
August 13th, 1956 68 years ago

Served as a Judge of the Supreme Court of India from 1999 to 2014. Contributed to significant legal judgments, particularly in areas concerning constitutional law and civil rights. Held the position of Attorney General of India prior to joining the Supreme Court, providing legal representation in critical cases. Engaged in various legal reforms and discussions aimed at enhancing the justice system in India.

Continue Reading

Margaret Tafoya

Pueblo potter and traditional artisan
Born
August 13th, 1904 120 years ago
Died
2001 24 years ago — 97 years old

A member of the Santa Clara Pueblo, an influential potter specialized in traditional Pueblo pottery. Techniques included hand-coiling and complex decorative elements, often inspired by ancestral designs. Worked primarily with local clay and natural pigments to create functional and artistic vessels. Received numerous awards for pottery, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Pueblo peoples. Contributed to the preservation and promotion of Native American pottery traditions through her intricate craftsmanship. Active in the art community until her death in 2001.

Continue Reading

Wilmer Mizell

Baseball player and politician
Born
August 13th, 1930 94 years ago
Died
February 21st, 1999 26 years ago — 68 years old

Played Major League Baseball as a pitcher from 1951 to 1962, primarily for the St. Louis Cardinals and the New York Mets. Achieved 9 wins in his rookie season with the Cardinals. Later transitioned into a political career, serving in the North Carolina State Senate. Contributed to legislative matters and continued involvement in sports and public service after retirement from baseball.

Continue Reading

Vladimir Odoyevsky

Russian philosopher and literary critic
Born
August 13th, 1803 221 years ago
Died
March 11th, 1869 156 years ago — 65 years old

A prominent figure in Russian literature and philosophy, contributions include speculative essays and fiction that blend various genres. Played a key role in the development of Russian Romanticism, advocating for the exploration of themes related to spirituality and cultural identity. Authored significant works such as 'Russian Nights' and the story 'The Salamander', which reflect complex philosophical ideas. Engaged in literary criticism, providing insights into contemporary writers and movements of the time. His ideas have influenced later generations of writers and thinkers.

Continue Reading

Alicja Tchórz

Polish swimmer and record holder
Born
August 13th, 1992 32 years ago

Achieved prominence as a competitive swimmer specializing in backstroke and individual medley events. Competed in multiple European Championships and World Championships, securing medals and breaking national records. Represented Poland in the 200m backstroke and 100m backstroke at international competitions. Participated in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, contributing to Poland's swimming team efforts. Competed for various clubs, enhancing the visibility of Polish swimming on the world stage.

Continue Reading

Harry Dean

English cricketer and coach
Born
August 13th, 1884 140 years ago
Died
1957 68 years ago — 73 years old

Played first-class cricket for Derbyshire from 1901 to 1921. Transitioned to coaching after retirement, contributing to the development of players in the region. Briefly served as a cricket commentator later in life, sharing insights on the game.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on December 25th

M. T. Vasudevan Nair

Indian author and screenwriter
Born
July 15th, 1933 91 years ago
Died
December 25th, 2024 0 years ago — 91 years old

An influential figure in Indian literature and cinema, this individual predominantly worked in Malayalam. Contributions include novels, short stories, and film scripts. His works often reflect the cultural and social milieu of Kerala. Major achievements encompass various literary awards, including the Jnanpith Award, India's highest literary honor. In addition to writing, involvement in film direction and screenplay writing further shaped the industry, leading to notable adaptations of literary works into award-winning films.

Continue Reading

Joan Blondell

American actress in 'Gold Diggers of 1933'
Born
August 30th, 1906 118 years ago
Died
December 25th, 1979 45 years ago — 73 years old

Born in 1906, Blondell gained early recognition on Broadway before transitioning to film. Her career flourished during the 1930s and 1940s, becoming a prominent figure in Warner Bros. She starred in musicals and comedies, often alongside major stars. Notable films include 'Gold Diggers of 1933' and 'The Wedding Present'. Throughout her career, she received critical acclaim and was nominated for various awards.

Continue Reading

Neil Hawke

Australian cricketer and footballer
Born
June 27th, 1939 85 years ago
Died
December 25th, 2000 24 years ago — 61 years old

Played cricket for Victoria and represented Australia in limited-overs formats. Competed in Australian rules football for the Richmond Football Club in the Victorian Football League. Transitioned between sports showcasing versatility and skill in both cricket and football throughout the 1960s.

Continue Reading

Yosa Buson

Japanese poet and painter, haiku master
Born
1716 309 years ago
Died
December 25th, 1784 240 years ago — 68 years old

A prominent figure in Japanese literature and art, this individual excelled as both a poet and a painter during the Edo period. As a master of haiku, contributed significantly to the genre and is recognized for the unique combination of vivid imagery and emotion. Additionally, practiced traditional Japanese painting, known for blending styles and techniques that reflected the beauty of nature. His influence persisted beyond his lifetime, impacting future generations of poets and artists in Japan.

Continue Reading

Erico Aumentado

Filipino politician and journalist
Born
May 18th, 1940 84 years ago
Died
December 25th, 2012 12 years ago — 72 years old

A lawyer, journalist, and politician with a career spanning several decades in public service. Served as the Governor of Bohol, contributing to various local governance initiatives. Held an elected position as a member of the House of Representatives, where legislative duties included oversight of national policies. Engaged in journalism, writing on important societal issues, pairing legal expertise with media influence to advocate for reforms.

Continue Reading

Saint Anastasia

Christian martyr and saint
Died
December 25th, 304 1720 years ago — None years old

A Christian martyr recognized for her steadfast faith during the Roman Empire. Lived during the early 4th century and faced persecution under Emperor Diocletian. Celebrated for charitable acts and healing abilities, with a particular emphasis on the care of the sick. Estimated death on December 25, 304, attributed to her unwavering devotion to her beliefs. Later canonized and venerated in both Western and Eastern Christian traditions, with many churches named in her honor.

Continue Reading