Samuel Richardson

English author and painter

Samuel Richardson - English author and painter
Born

1689
336 years ago

Died

July 4th, 1761
264 years ago — 72 years old

Category

Artists & Creatives

Country

United Kingdom

Links & References

Contributed to the development of the novel as a literary form. Wrote three major novels, with 'Pamela' (1740) as the first success in English literature to employ letters as a narrative device. Explored themes of morality and virtue through character development. Created a unique style that influenced later writers.

Wrote 'Pamela', the first English novel

Published 'Clarissa' in 1748

Produced 'The History of Sir Charles Grandison' in 1753

Other People Who Died on July 4th

Joey Marella

Wrestling referee and WrestleMania officiant
Born
1964 61 years ago
Died
July 4th, 1994 31 years ago — 30 years old

A wrestling referee officiated numerous significant matches during a notable career in professional wrestling. Worked primarily with World Wrestling Federation (WWF) and gained prominence by officiating key events, including multiple WrestleMania shows. Contributed to the evolution of the referee's role in wrestling, enhancing in-ring storytelling through officiating decisions. Continued to work in the industry until a tragic death in 1994.

Continue Reading

Richard Mellon Scaife

American businessman and philanthropist
Born
July 3rd, 1932 93 years ago
Died
July 4th, 2014 11 years ago — 82 years old

A prominent American businessman and philanthropist, significant contributions were made in media and charitable foundations. Scaife inherited substantial wealth from his family, which founded the Mellon Bank. He was the owner of several newspapers, including the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, and played a crucial role in conservative politics through media investments. Scaife established various foundations, focusing on education, culture, and the arts. His foundations supported numerous projects aligned with conservative causes in the United States.

Continue Reading

Benjamin O. Davis Jr.

American general and pilot
Born
December 18th, 1912 112 years ago
Died
July 4th, 2002 23 years ago — 89 years old

Aviation pioneer and military leader, directed the Tuskegee Airmen during World War II. Became the first African American general in the United States Air Force. Influenced the integration of the military forces in the post-war era. Held various leadership positions throughout his career, including commanding the 477th Bombardment Group.

Continue Reading

Dietmar I

Archbishop of Salzburg
Died
July 4th, 907 1118 years ago — None years old

Served as the Archbishop of Salzburg in the early 10th century, overseeing ecclesiastical matters in the region. Played a significant role in the Christianization efforts of the area, strengthening the influence of the church. Provided spiritual leadership during a transformative period in Central Europe, contributing to the establishment of the archdiocese as a key religious center. Managed the challenges of governance and spiritual leadership during a time of political instability.

Continue Reading

Poundmaker

Canadian tribal chief, leader in resistance
Born
1797 228 years ago
Died
July 4th, 1886 139 years ago — 89 years old

A prominent tribal chief of the Plains Cree, this individual played a significant role during the North-West Rebellion of 1885. Advocated for peaceful negotiations between Indigenous peoples and Canadian authorities. Worked towards the rights and welfare of Indigenous communities, aiming to protect their lands and resources during a time of significant change and encroachment. This leader's approach focused on diplomacy and cooperation rather than armed conflict, striving to find common ground. Contributions included efforts to unify various Indigenous groups in the face of colonial pressures.

Continue Reading

Barry White

Singer-songwriter of soul music
Born
September 12th, 1944 81 years ago
Died
July 4th, 2003 22 years ago — 58 years old

Born in 1944, this American singer-songwriter gained prominence in the 1970s with a distinctive deep voice and romantic themes in his music. An early career in production led to the release of successful albums, blending soul and funk. The most significant work includes the album 'Can't Get Enough' featuring the hit 'You're the First, the Last, My Everything.' Over the years, collaborated with various artists and continued to release music that resonated deeply with audiences. Inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame for contributions to music, this artist's legacy endures in popular culture.

Continue Reading