Thomas de Ros
English soldier and politician
9th Baron de Ros served as an English soldier and politician during the 15th century. Participated in the Hundred Years' War, aligning with the Yorkists during the Wars of the Roses. Engaged in military conflicts including the Battle of Towton in 1461, a significant confrontation in the civil war between York and Lancaster. Held the positions of Parliamentary representative and peer, contributing to the political landscape of England.
Fought at the Battle of Towton in 1461
Served as a parliamentary representative
Aligning with the Yorkist faction
Other People Born on September 9th
Otis Redding
Soul singer-songwriter with classic hits
Born
September 9th, 1941 84 years ago
Died
December 10th, 1967 58 years ago — 26 years old
A prominent figure in the soul music genre, contributions included powerful vocal performances and emotive songwriting. Redding's career began in the early 1960s, gaining attention with songs that featured a blend of gospel influences and rhythm and blues. The release of the iconic track 'Try a Little Tenderness' in 1966 solidified his position in the music scene. Other major hits such as '(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay' showcased his ability to convey deep emotion through music. Tragically, a plane crash in 1967 cut his life short, yet his influence on subsequent artists and the genre remains significant.
Continue ReadingSonia Sanchez
Poet and playwright; civil rights advocate
Born
September 9th, 1934 91 years ago
An influential poet and playwright, contributed significantly to the Black Arts Movement. Wrote numerous poetry collections, including 'Homegirls and Handgrenades' and 'Shake Loose My Skin.' Activism focused on racial and social justice issues, advocating for peace and equality. Involved in various organizations promoting civil rights throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Held several academic positions and served as a mentor to many emerging writers. Work has been widely recognized and appreciated in literary and activist circles.
Continue ReadingJoe Theismann
American football quarterback, Super Bowl champion
Born
September 9th, 1949 76 years ago
A quarterback played in the National Football League (NFL) for the Washington Redskins from 1974 to 1985. Led the team to victory in Super Bowl XVII in 1983, earning the game’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. Secured the NFL Most Valuable Player award in 1983 and was selected to two Pro Bowls. After retiring from professional football, transitioned to a career in broadcasting, serving as a sportscaster and analyst for various networks, including ESPN. Theismann wrote sports-related books and participated in charitable efforts.
Continue ReadingHugh Morgan
Australian businessman and mining executive
Born
September 9th, 1940 85 years ago
Played a significant role in the Australian mining industry. Served as the managing director of Western Mining Corporation from 1986 to 1997. Held leadership positions in various industry associations and contributed to the development of mining policies. Engaged in philanthropic activities supporting education and healthcare initiatives.
Continue ReadingT. M. Wright
Author and illustrator of fiction works
Born
September 9th, 1947 78 years ago
Died
2015 10 years ago — 68 years old
An American author and poet, produced a body of work that blends elements of horror, fantasy, and science fiction. Gained recognition for contributions to American literature with novels, short stories, and illustrated works. Published several acclaimed novels, often exploring the depths of the human psyche through supernatural themes. Also worked as an illustrator, adding unique visual interpretations to personal writing. Contributions to genre fiction have earned a loyal readership.
Continue ReadingBruce Palmer
Folk-rock bass player with Buffalo Springfield
Born
September 9th, 1946 79 years ago
Died
October 1st, 2004 21 years ago — 58 years old
A Canadian folk-rock bass player contributed to the band Buffalo Springfield, which was active in the 1960s. The group emerged from the Los Angeles music scene and became notable for their innovative sound and social commentary. Palmer's bass work was integral to the band's music, especially in hits like 'For What It's Worth.' After Buffalo Springfield disbanded, he continued to work in the music industry, collaborating with various artists and bands.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on May 17th
Samuel Clarke
English minister and philosopher
Born
October 11th, 1675 350 years ago
Died
May 17th, 1729 296 years ago — 53 years old
A prominent English minister and philosopher, contributed significantly to the fields of theology and philosophy during the early 18th century. Engaged in debates on metaphysics and ethics, favoring rationalism and the use of logic in religious discourse. Published influential works such as 'A Discourse Concerning the Being and Attributes of God' which discussed the nature of divinity. Clarke also played a role in the development of early modern philosophy, particularly in the areas of free will and moral responsibility.
Continue ReadingLi Maozhen
Chinese warlord and king
Died
May 17th, 924 1101 years ago — None years old
Li Maozhen served as a powerful warlord and king during the late Tang dynasty. He established control over the region of Shuzhou in what is now Sichuan province. His reign was marked by significant military and political maneuvers aimed at maintaining autonomy amid the fragmented power structure of the dynasty. Li claimed the title of king and held sway over the local populace through both military force and political alliances. His authority extended until his death in 924, a period characterized by the disintegration of centralized power in China.
Continue ReadingHerman Wouk
American novelist and Pulitzer Prize winner
Born
May 27th, 1915 110 years ago
Died
May 17th, 2019 6 years ago — 103 years old
A prominent American novelist, one of the most recognized works includes 'The Caine Mutiny,' which depicts a military court trial during World War II. Another significant novel, 'War and Remembrance,' explores the experiences of a Jewish family during the Holocaust. Wouk's writing often addresses themes of faith, morality, and the human condition, reflecting his Jewish background and experiences. He received widespread acclaim and several awards throughout his career, including the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1952 for 'The Caine Mutiny.' His literary works have been adapted into successful films and television series, further extending their reach and influence.
Continue ReadingJohn Deere
Blacksmith and founder of Deere & Company
Born
February 7th, 1804 221 years ago
Died
May 17th, 1886 139 years ago — 82 years old
A blacksmith and businessman established a brand recognized for agricultural machinery. Pioneered the creation of a plow that efficiently tilled the tough Midwestern soil, leading to significant advancements in farming techniques. Founded Deere & Company in 1837, which became one of the largest manufacturers of agricultural equipment in the world. The business model emphasized high-quality products and customer service, contributing to the growth of modern agriculture.
Continue ReadingDaumantas of Pskov
Lithuanian prince and military leader
Died
May 17th, 1299 726 years ago — None years old
Born around 1240, this prince served as the ruler of Pskov in the late 13th century. His reign is characterized by military campaigns against the Teutonic Knights and efforts to consolidate power in the region. Under his leadership, Pskov successfully resisted external threats while maintaining autonomy. The prince's actions contributed to shaping the political landscape of the area during a tumultuous period marked by conflicts over territorial control and influence. Daumantas's legacy persisted beyond his death in 1299, impacting the future governance of Pskov and its relationships with neighboring states.
Continue ReadingLeopold Auenbrugger
Austrian physician and inventor of percussion
Born
November 19th, 1722 303 years ago
Died
May 17th, 1809 216 years ago — 86 years old
A physician developed the technique of percussion for diagnosing diseases. This innovation transformed clinical practices. Initial experiments involved using his own chest as a model to demonstrate the value of tapping and feeling the chest wall to gather diagnostic information. The technique was outlined in a treatise published in 1761, which laid the groundwork for modern physical examination methods. The work emphasized the importance of systematic observation in medicine and was influential in the fields of internal medicine and diagnostics.
Continue Reading