Stanislaus Papczyński
Polish priest and saint recognized for founding the Congregation of the Founding of the Holy Cross
Born in 1631, started a religious order focusing on the education of youth and spiritual renewal. Established the Congregation of the Founding of the Holy Cross in 1675. Contributed to the spread of Marian devotion and was deeply involved in preaching and pastoral care. Canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1992, affirming the religious significance of his work and the impact of his spiritual teachings.
Founded the Congregation of the Founding of the Holy Cross
Canonized as a saint in 1992
Other People Born on May 18th
Jacob K. Javits
American politician and attorney general
Born
May 18th, 1904 121 years ago
Died
March 7th, 1986 40 years ago — 81 years old
Served as a U.S. Congressman and U.S. Senator from New York. During tenure in the Senate, advocated for labor reforms and civil rights. Played a significant role in the establishment of the New York City Fiscal Control Board. Served as the 58th Attorney General of New York, implementing various legal reforms. Worked on advancing issues related to health care and environmental protection.
Continue ReadingJohn Bruton
Irish politician and Taoiseach
Born
May 18th, 1947 78 years ago
Died
2024 2 years ago — 77 years old
Served as the 10th Taoiseach of Ireland from 1994 to 1997. Held the position of leader of the Fine Gael party during this time. Played a significant role in the negotiations leading to the Good Friday Agreement, which aimed to address issues of governance in Northern Ireland. Held various positions in the Irish government, including Minister for Finance and Minister for Industry and Commerce.
Continue ReadingDon Whillans
Rock climber and mountaineer
Born
May 18th, 1933 92 years ago
Died
August 4th, 1985 40 years ago — 52 years old
An English rock climber and mountaineer, gained recognition for significant ascents in the 1950s and 1960s. Participated in notable climbs in the Himalayas, including an attempt on Kangchenjunga in 1976. Contributed to the development of climbing techniques and equipment during a transformative period in the sport. Often associated with the spirit of adventure and pioneering climbing routes in the UK and abroad.
Continue ReadingJoseph Butler
English bishop and philosopher
Born
May 18th, 1692 333 years ago
Died
June 16th, 1752 273 years ago — 60 years old
Served as a bishop of Durham and contributed significantly to the field of moral philosophy. Authored major works including 'Fifteen Sermons' and 'Analogy of Religion,' which explored the relationship between faith and reason. Engaged in discussions regarding ethics and the nature of human existence, influencing later philosophical thought.
Continue ReadingMeredith Willson
Playwright and composer of The Music Man
Born
May 18th, 1902 123 years ago
Died
June 15th, 1984 41 years ago — 82 years old
A composer and playwright created the Broadway musical The Music Man, which premiered in 1957. The show followed a con man named Harold Hill who posed as a band leader in a small Iowa town. Willson also wrote the successful musical-notes for several other works, including The Unsinkable Molly Brown. His background in music, as a conductor and musician, greatly influenced his creative output and compositional style. Willson's contributions to the arts have been recognized through numerous awards including Tony Awards for his work. His legacy continues through the enduring popularity of The Music Man, which remains a staple in theater productions worldwide.
Continue ReadingEurico Gaspar Dutra
Brazilian politician and military leader
Born
May 18th, 1883 142 years ago
Died
June 11th, 1974 51 years ago — 91 years old
Served as the 16th President of Brazil from 1946 to 1951. Prior to the presidency, a significant military career included participation in World War II. Implemented extensive economic reforms aimed at modernization and industrialization in Brazil. Led a government that promoted democratic values following the Vargas Era. His administration focused on infrastructure development and improving education.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on September 17th
Johann Schweikhard von Kronberg
German Archbishop-Elector of Mainz
Born
1553 473 years ago
Died
September 17th, 1626 399 years ago — 73 years old
Served as Archbishop-Elector of Mainz and a prominent cleric within the Holy Roman Empire. Held significant influence during the Counter-Reformation and engaged in the politics of the period. Played a crucial role in the Imperial Diets and worked to strengthen the Catholic Church's authority in Germany. Contributed to the political landscape through ecclesiastical governance.
Continue ReadingWilliam III
Landgrave of Thuringia
Born
April 30th, 1425 601 years ago
Died
September 17th, 1482 543 years ago — 57 years old
Born in 1425, served as Landgrave of Thuringia, overseeing a significant period of governance in the region. As a member of the House of Wettin, played a key role in regional politics and alliances during the late Middle Ages. Regarded for efforts to maintain stability in Thuringia amid political conflicts and external pressures.
Continue ReadingHarry Locke
English actor in television and film
Born
December 10th, 1913 112 years ago
Died
September 17th, 1987 38 years ago — 73 years old
Active in the entertainment industry from the 1940s, this individual gained recognition for appearances in several popular television series and films. Most notably, roles included parts in 'The Lavender Hill Mob' and the series 'The Avengers'. The career spanned several decades, showcasing versatility in various character portrayals across different genres.
Continue ReadingPhilip IV
Count of Nassau-Weilburg
Born
October 14th, 1542 483 years ago
Died
September 17th, 1665 360 years ago — 122 years old
Born in 1542, served as Count of Nassau-Weilburg. Held the title from 1560 until death in 1591. Associated with the governance of the County of Nassau-Weilburg. His leadership contributed to local political stability and economic development during a time of regional conflicts in the Holy Roman Empire.
Continue ReadingHenry Fox Talbot
Photographer, developed the Calotype Process
Born
February 11th, 1800 226 years ago
Died
September 17th, 1877 148 years ago — 77 years old
An English photographer developed the Calotype process, a pioneering technique in the history of photography that allowed for the production of negative images on paper. This method enabled the creation of multiple positive prints from a single negative. Talbot's innovations laid the groundwork for modern photographic processes, contributing significantly to both photography and the broader field of imaging. He also authored 'The Pencil of Nature,' the first book illustrated with photographs, showcasing the potential of photography as a medium for documenting and artistic expression.
Continue ReadingPedro Menéndez de Avilés
First Spanish Governor of Florida
Born
February 15th, 1519 507 years ago
Died
September 17th, 1574 451 years ago — 55 years old
Served as the first Spanish Governor of Florida, establishing the settlement of St. Augustine in 1565, which became the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in the continental United States. Appointed by King Philip II of Spain, Menéndez led military expeditions in the region and focused on converting the local Indigenous populations to Christianity. His tenure marked the beginning of a structured Spanish presence in Florida.
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