Samuel Gompers
Labor leader and founder of the AFL
Born in England, a labor leader emigrated to the United States where he played a significant role in the labor movement. Established the American Federation of Labor (AFL), advocating for workers' rights and better working conditions. Served as the AFL's first president, a position held for almost four decades. Focused on trade unionism and collective bargaining, promoting efforts for labor legislation.
Founded the American Federation of Labor
Served as president of the AFL for 38 years
Other People Born on January 27th
Tony Woodcock
Rugby player; All Blacks prop
Born
January 27th, 1981 45 years ago
A rugby player from New Zealand, earned recognition as a prop for the All Blacks. Played professionally for the Northland Taniwha and the Blues in Super Rugby. Contributed to the team's success at the 2011 and 2015 Rugby World Cups, securing championship titles. Associated with a strong scrummaging ability and a key defensive presence. Retired from international rugby in 2015 after a distinguished career.
Continue ReadingSteve Demeter
Baseball player and manager with Orioles
Born
January 27th, 1935 91 years ago
Died
2013 13 years ago — 78 years old
Played in Major League Baseball as an infielder from 1958 to 1962, primarily with the Baltimore Orioles. Transitioned into coaching and managing, influencing the development of players throughout his career. Took on roles in various minor league teams after retiring as a player, contributing to the management side of baseball.
Continue ReadingJack Stephens
English footballer, Southampton FC defender
Born
January 27th, 1994 32 years ago
A footballer from England, competed primarily as a defender. Played for Southampton FC in the Premier League, contributing to the team's defensive strength. Throughout his career, showcased consistency and skill on the field. Made appearances for various youth national teams, ultimately representing the senior squad. Participated in several key matches that highlighted his defensive capabilities and teamwork.
Continue ReadingHyman G. Rickover
American admiral and nuclear submarine pioneer
Born
January 27th, 1900 126 years ago
Died
1986 40 years ago — 86 years old
A prominent figure in the United States Navy, played a crucial role in the development of the nuclear submarine program. Oversaw the construction and operation of the first nuclear-powered submarine, USS Nautilus, which was launched in 1954 and marked a significant advancement in naval technology. Led initiatives that established the nuclear Navy and influenced military strategy during the Cold War.
Continue ReadingMarat Safin
Tennis player and politician
Born
January 27th, 1980 46 years ago
Achieved significant success as a professional tennis player, competing on the ATP Tour. Won two Grand Slam titles at the US Open in 2000 and the Australian Open in 2005. Secured a total of 15 ATP singles titles and reached the world No. 1 ranking in November 2000. Transitioned into a political career after retirement from tennis, becoming a member of the State Duma in Russia.
Continue ReadingJuan Crisóstomo Arriaga
Spanish-French composer of symphonies
Born
January 27th, 1806 220 years ago
Died
January 17th, 1826 200 years ago — 19 years old
Born in 1806, a composer showcased talent in classical music, creating significant works in his short life. Became a prominent figure in the early Romantic period. His education included studying in Paris, where influences from various European composers shaped his musical style. Arriaga's contribution to symphonic music included the completion of several string quartets and symphonies, even though much of his work remained unpublished during his lifetime. His most acclaimed piece, Symphony in D major, demonstrated innovation in orchestration. His untimely death at the age of 19 left a lasting legacy in the realm of classical music.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on December 13th
Ányos Jedlik
Hungarian physicist and engineer
Born
January 11th, 1800 226 years ago
Died
December 13th, 1895 130 years ago — 95 years old
Contributed to the fields of physics and engineering in Hungary. Developed the first electric motor and created a method for producing hydrogen gas through electrolysis. Also known for contributions to optics and the study of light. Worked on the scientific development of the telegraph and was involved in educational reforms.
Continue ReadingWoldemar Voigt
German physicist and academic
Born
September 2nd, 1850 175 years ago
Died
December 13th, 1919 106 years ago — 69 years old
Contributions included work on the theory of elasticity and the study of wave propagation. Developed the concept of Voigt's continuum, which improved understanding of material behaviors under stress. Served as a professor at various universities, influencing the education of future scientists. Published significant papers and served on editorial boards of scientific journals.
Continue ReadingJohannes Trithemius
German lexicographer and cryptographer
Born
February 1st, 1462 564 years ago
Died
December 13th, 1516 509 years ago — 54 years old
A significant figure in the fields of lexicography and cryptography. Published 'Steganographia' which discussed techniques of secret writing. His works laid foundational principles for later cryptographic methods and practices. Contributed to historical studies with a focus on monastic life. Served as the abbot of the monastery at Sponheim, influencing scholarly activities throughout the region.
Continue ReadingVictor de Laprade
French poet and literary critic
Born
January 13th, 1812 214 years ago
Died
December 13th, 1883 142 years ago — 71 years old
Born in France in 1812, a poet and literary critic contributed significantly to French literature in the 19th century. His poetry often reflected Romantic themes and explored philosophical ideas. De Laprade published several collections, with 'Les Poèmes' being among the notable works. His critical essays dissected contemporary poetry and advocated for artistic integrity, influencing future generations of writers and critics.
Continue ReadingAugust Šenoa
Croatian author and poet of 'Zlatarevo zlato'
Born
November 14th, 1838 187 years ago
Died
December 13th, 1881 144 years ago — 43 years old
An influential Croatian author, poet, and literary critic, this individual significantly contributed to Croatian literature in the 19th century. Active during a period of national revival, this writer's works often explored themes of history and folklore. Most notable work, 'Zlatarevo zlato' (The Goldsmith's Treasure), is a historical novel that combines romance with a rich depiction of Zagreb in the 16th century. Other works include plays and essays that reflect on Croatian identity and culture. In addition to fiction, criticism played a crucial role in the development of literary standards in Croatia.
Continue ReadingElisabeth Volkenrath
Concentration camp supervisor
Born
September 5th, 1919 106 years ago
Died
December 13th, 1945 80 years ago — 26 years old
Supervised prisoners at the women's concentration camp in Ravensbrück during World War II. Held the position of overseer and was involved in the administration of the camp. Volkenrath's role included the enforcement of brutal conditions for inmates. After the war, she faced trial for war crimes.
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