Samuel Gompers

Labor leader and founder of the AFL

Samuel Gompers - Labor leader and founder of the AFL
Born

January 27th, 1850
175 years ago

Died

December 13th, 1924
100 years ago — 74 years old

Category

Leaders & Politicians

Country

United States

Links & References

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

Braeden Lemasters

Actor and musician in 'Men of a Certain Age'
Born
January 27th, 1996 29 years ago

Born in 1996, this individual gained recognition as an actor and musician. Stepped into the acting scene with a role in 'Men of a Certain Age', which aired from 2009 to 2011. The actor also showcased musical talent as a member of the band, 'Bea Miller'. The contribution to both television and music marks a significant aspect of the career.

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Beatrice Tinsley

Astronomer and cosmologist, galaxy formation
Born
January 27th, 1941 84 years ago
Died
March 23rd, 1981 43 years ago — 40 years old

An astronomer and cosmologist contributed significantly to the understanding of galaxies. Focused on the evolution of galaxies, particularly how they formed and changed over time. Developed theoretical models that explained how galaxies evolve and interact with one another. Worked with observational data to support these theories, utilizing various telescopes and research opportunities. Held a faculty position at the University of Texas at Austin and received various accolades for contributions to the field of astronomy before passing away in 1981.

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Peter Akinola

Nigerian Archbishop and religious leader
Born
January 27th, 1944 81 years ago

Served as the Archbishop of the Church of Nigeria from 2000 to 2010. Played a significant role in the global Anglican community and was a prominent figure during the controversies over issues like homosexuality within the church. Focused on mission work and church planting, contributing to the growth of Anglicanism in Nigeria. Actively engaged in ecumenical dialogues and advocated for social justice in various contexts.

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Dave Manson

Ice Hockey Player and Coach
Born
January 27th, 1967 58 years ago

A professional ice hockey player and coach, Manson played in the NHL from 1985 to 2002. He was a defenseman and suited up for teams such as the Chicago Blackhawks, Edmonton Oilers, and the Ottawa Senators. After retirement as a player, Manson transitioned to coaching, influencing new generations of ice hockey players with his experience and insights. His involvement in the sport continued through various coaching positions in junior hockey leagues.

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Balthasar van der Pol

Physicist and academic known for oscillation theory
Born
January 27th, 1889 136 years ago
Died
1959 66 years ago — 70 years old

Born in the Netherlands, a prominent physicist focused on electrical engineering and oscillation phenomena. Developed significant theories related to the behavior of electrical circuits and oscillators. Made contributions to the understanding of nonlinear oscillations, leading to applications in various fields. Served as a professor at the Technical University of Delft, influencing future generations of engineers and physicists through extensive research and teaching.

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Harvey Shapiro

American poet and author of 'The Lost Poem'
Born
January 27th, 1924 101 years ago
Died
2013 12 years ago — 89 years old

Born in 1924, this American poet contributed significantly to contemporary poetry. Educated at the University of Pittsburgh and New York University, the poet published numerous collections throughout a career that spanned decades. Themes in the work often reflect personal experience, memory, and the passage of time. Work included the poem collection 'The Lost Poem'. The poet also worked as an editor and was active in literary circles, fostering the development of emerging poets and advocating for poetry as a vital art form.

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Other People Who Died on December 13th

Robert Robinson Taylor

Architect and educator; Tuskegee Institute
Born
June 8th, 1868 156 years ago
Died
December 13th, 1942 82 years ago — 74 years old

An influential architect and educator contributed significantly to architectural education. Served as the first black graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1892. Played a pivotal role at Tuskegee Institute, where he established an architecture program. Designed several buildings on the Tuskegee campus, including the landmark chapel and other significant structures that showcased a unique blend of African American culture and architectural style. Advocated for the inclusion of black architects in the professional field during a time of racial discrimination.

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Mahmud I

Ottoman Sultan during early 18th century
Born
August 2nd, 1696 328 years ago
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December 13th, 1754 270 years ago — 58 years old

Reigned as Sultan of the Ottoman Empire from 1730 to 1754. Mahmud I's rule followed a turbulent period marked by military losses and political strife. He initiated reforms focusing on strengthening the empire's military capabilities. Under his leadership, the empire engaged in warfare against Russia, particularly during the Russo-Turkish War of 1736-1739, resulting in significant territorial negotiations. Mahmud I is also noted for enhancing the architectural landscape of Istanbul, including the construction of various mosques and public works. His reign marked a period of relative stability and consolidation after previous conflicts.

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Abraham Wald

Mathematician known for decision theory
Born
October 31st, 1902 122 years ago
Died
December 13th, 1950 74 years ago — 48 years old

A mathematician and economist contributed to the field of statistics and decision theory. In the 1940s, worked on statistical methods for wartime applications, including the development of techniques to analyze aircraft damage. Proposed the concept of survivorship bias, emphasizing the need to examine failures rather than just successes. This work has had lasting implications in various fields including economics, military strategy, and operations research.

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Ányos Jedlik

Hungarian physicist and engineer
Born
January 11th, 1800 225 years ago
Died
December 13th, 1895 129 years ago — 95 years old

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Augustus Le Plongeon

Historian and photographer of Maya culture
Born
May 4th, 1825 199 years ago
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December 13th, 1908 116 years ago — 83 years old

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Rosina Heikel

Finnish physician and medical pioneer
Born
March 17th, 1842 182 years ago
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December 13th, 1929 95 years ago — 87 years old

Graduated from the University of Helsinki in 1884, specializing in gynecology. Practiced medicine in Helsinki and became one of the first female physicians in Finland. Contributed to the medical field through her work in public health and women's health issues. Advocated for women's education and the advancement of women in medicine, serving as a role model for future female doctors in Finland. In 1900, performed one of the first hysterectomies in Finland.

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