Stand Watie

American Confederate general

Stand Watie - American Confederate general
Born

December 12th, 1806
218 years ago

Died

1871
154 years ago — 65 years old

Category

Military & Warriors

Country

United States

Links & References

Served as a general in the Confederate Army during the American Civil War. Received appointment as the only Native American general in the Confederate forces. Led the Cherokee regiment in notable battles including the Battle of Pea Ridge and the Battle of Honey Springs. After the war, became a political leader in the post-war Cherokee Nation, influencing tribal governance.

Became the only Native American general in the Confederate Army

Led Cherokee forces in key Civil War battles

Served as a political leader in the Cherokee Nation after the war

Other People Born on December 12th

Alfred Werner

Swiss chemist and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
December 12th, 1866 158 years ago
Died
November 15th, 1919 105 years ago — 52 years old

A Swiss chemist awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1913 for the development of coordination chemistry. This work laid the foundation for understanding the bonding of transition metals and their implications in multiple chemical fields. Werner's theories emphasized the importance of structural analysis in the chemical sciences, influencing later research and applications in coordination compounds. His contributions were pivotal in shaping modern inorganic chemistry and academia.

Continue Reading

Cathy Rigby

Olympic gymnast and actress
Born
December 12th, 1952 72 years ago

Competed in gymnastics at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City, achieving recognition as one of the top female gymnasts of her time. Rigby transitioned to a successful career in entertainment, particularly in musical theater, where she starred in productions such as 'Peter Pan'. She received accolades for her performances and continued to be involved in gymnastics through coaching and commentary, promoting the sport among young athletes.

Continue Reading

Joseph Orville Shelby

Confederate General during American Civil War
Born
December 12th, 1830 194 years ago
Died
1897 128 years ago — 67 years old

Born in 1830, a military officer served in the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War. Shelby gained recognition for commanding cavalry units and participated in significant battles such as the Battle of Wilson's Creek and the Battle of Little Rock. After the war, he became a prominent figure in the post-war South and was involved in various business ventures. Shelby also served as a state legislator in Missouri.

Continue Reading

Johan van der Velde

Dutch professional cyclist, Tour de France
Born
December 12th, 1956 68 years ago

A professional cyclist from the Netherlands achieved notable success in the 1980s. Primarily a road cyclist, specialized in multi-day races and became a prominent figure in the sport. Secured a victory in the 1984 Tour de France's final stage, and competed in multiple Grand Tours, including the Giro d'Italia and Vuelta a España. Demonstrated strong performances in various national championships and other international competitions.

Continue Reading

Isaac John

Rugby league player
Born
December 12th, 1988 36 years ago

Played professional rugby league primarily as a five-eighth or halfback. Represented the New Zealand Warriors in the National Rugby League (NRL) and played for various clubs in the UK, including Wakefield Trinity and the London Broncos. Achieved a standout career in the sport and contributed to various team successes during tenure.

Continue Reading

Bernard Lagat

Kenyan-American middle-distance runner
Born
December 12th, 1974 50 years ago

A celebrated middle-distance runner, this individual represented the United States in track and field events. Competing primarily in the 1500 meters, the athlete achieved significant success in international competitions. At the 2000 Sydney Olympics, a bronze medal was earned in the 1500 meters. The individual claimed multiple titles at the World Championships, including two gold medals in the 1500 meters in 1999 and 2001. Later, transitioned to longer events, securing a silver medal in the 5000 meters at the 2005 World Championships and setting American records in distances ranging from 1500 meters to 5000 meters.

Continue Reading