Thomas Nast

Political cartoonist and illustrator

Thomas Nast - Political cartoonist and illustrator
Born

September 27th, 1840
184 years ago

Died

December 7th, 1902
122 years ago — 62 years old

Category

Artists & Creatives

Country

United States

Links & References

A prominent cartoonist during the 19th century, contributions included illustrations for Harper's Weekly. Played a significant role in shaping public opinion through political cartoons that addressed issues such as corruption, especially targeting Tammany Hall in New York City. Created the modern image of Santa Claus and popularized the elephant as the symbol of the Republican Party. His work laid the groundwork for future political satire in American media.

Illustrated for Harper's Weekly

Popularized the elephant symbol for the Republican Party

Created the modern image of Santa Claus

Other People Born on September 27th

Vithalbhai Patel

Indian legislator and political leader
Born
September 27th, 1873 151 years ago
Died
1933 92 years ago — 60 years old

Born in 1873, this individual was a prominent figure in the Indian independence movement. He played a critical role as a legislator in the Central Legislative Assembly during the 1920s and was influential in various political strategies against British rule. In 1919, he was elected as the first President of the Central Legislative Assembly, where he advocated for the rights of Indians and opposed colonial policies. Known for his speeches and activism, he worked alongside other leaders including Mahatma Gandhi. His contributions significantly shaped the political landscape of pre-independence India and laid groundwork for future governance.

Continue Reading

Grazia Deledda

Italian novelist and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
September 27th, 1871 153 years ago
Died
August 15th, 1936 88 years ago — 64 years old

Born in Italy, a writer gained recognition for novels exploring the complexities of Sardinian life, culture, and society. The narrative style combined realism with elements of Sardinian folklore. Achieved international acclaim with works such as "Elias Portolu" and "The Mother." Awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1926 for contributions to literature. Her storytelling often reflected the struggles and emotions of women in traditional settings.

Continue Reading

Louis XIII of France

King of France during the Thirty Years' War
Born
September 27th, 1601 423 years ago
Died
May 14th, 1643 382 years ago — 41 years old

Ruled as King of France from 1610 until death in 1643. Ascended to the throne at a young age after the assassination of Henry IV. Worked closely with Cardinal Richelieu to strengthen royal authority and centralize power in France. His reign witnessed significant events, including involvement in the Thirty Years' War and the expansion of French influence in Europe. Launched military campaigns and supported protestant allies. Known for initiating architectural projects, including the expansion of the Louvre in Paris.

Continue Reading

Mike Schmidt

Baseball player, 3-time MVP
Born
September 27th, 1949 75 years ago

Played third base for the Philadelphia Phillies from 1972 to 1989. Contributed to the team's success by leading them to a World Series championship in 1980. Recognized as one of the greatest power hitters in baseball history, he recorded over 500 career home runs. Accumulated three Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards during his career, showcasing exceptional performance during multiple seasons. Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1995.

Continue Reading

Lachlan Burr

Rugby league player for the Warriors
Born
September 27th, 1992 32 years ago

This rugby league player played for the New Zealand Warriors in the National Rugby League (NRL) after beginning his career with the Canberra Raiders. Transitioning to the Warriors, he contributed to the team's efforts in various seasons. Burr's playing style and versatility as a forward helped the team in both defense and attack. His tenure in the NRL showcased his skills and dedication to the sport, leading to appearances in multiple matches and contributing to team dynamics.

Continue Reading

Marc Maron

Comedian, Actor, Radio Host
Born
September 27th, 1963 61 years ago

Born in 1963, this individual is a prominent comedian, actor, and radio host. Best recognized for hosting the podcast 'WTF with Marc Maron', the show featuring in-depth interviews with various celebrities has gained a significant following. The individual also starred in the television series 'Maron', which depicted semi-autobiographical elements of his life and career. Additionally, contributions to stand-up comedy include multiple comedy specials that showcase personal narratives and social commentary.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on December 7th

Innocent IV

Pope during the 13th century
Born
1195 830 years ago
Died
December 7th, 1254 770 years ago — 59 years old

Served as Pope from 1243 until death in 1254. Initiated the process of canonizing many saints, including St. Francis of Assisi. Convened the famous Second Council of Lyon in 1274, aimed at addressing issues within the Church and promoting unity, especially with Eastern Christianity. Engaged in significant diplomatic efforts, particularly with the Mongol Empire, aiming to establish peace and spread Christianity. Defined papal supremacy and authority through various papal bulls and edicts.

Continue Reading

Algernon Sidney

British philosopher and politician
Born
January 15th, 1623 402 years ago
Died
December 7th, 1683 341 years ago — 60 years old

Born in 1623, a British philosopher and politician who played a significant role in the political landscape of the 17th century. Sidney was an advocate for republicanism and individual liberties. His writings on government and society, particularly 'Discourses Concerning Government,' articulated the principles of popular sovereignty and justified resistance to tyranny. Sidney's ideas influenced political thought during the Enlightenment and the development of republican ideology in England. He was executed for his alleged conspiracy against King Charles II, becoming a martyr for the republican cause.

Continue Reading

Martín Sarmiento

Spanish monk and scholar
Born
1695 330 years ago
Died
December 7th, 1772 252 years ago — 77 years old

A Spanish monk and scholar, contributed extensively to the fields of history, philology, and botany. Engaged in the study of Galician culture and literature. Authored several works, including treatises on natural history and historical accounts of Spain. Worked to promote the study of the Galician language and culture. His efforts in documentation and research laid the foundation for future scholarship in these areas.

Continue Reading

Joan Bennett

American actress in classic cinema
Born
February 27th, 1910 115 years ago
Died
December 7th, 1990 34 years ago — 80 years old

Debuted in film in the silent era and transitioned smoothly into talkies. Played significant roles in films such as 'Little Women' and 'Scarlet Street'. Achieved acclaim for performances in film noir during the 1940s. Also had a successful television career, notably starring in the soap opera 'Dark Shadows' in the late 1960s.

Continue Reading

Wenceslaus I

Duke of Luxembourg and King of Bohemia
Born
February 25th, 1337 688 years ago
Died
December 7th, 1383 641 years ago — 46 years old

Born in 1337, held the title of Duke of Luxembourg from 1346 and later became King of Bohemia in 1378. His reign was marked by political challenges, including conflicts with rival factions and managing the complex relationship between the Bohemian noble class and the crown. Under his rule, Luxembourg solidified its status as a significant European power. He also played a role in the administration of the Golden Bull of 1356, which established important precedents in the governance of the Holy Roman Empire.

Continue Reading

Chuck Yeager

US Air Force General and test pilot
Born
February 13th, 1923 102 years ago
Died
December 7th, 2020 4 years ago — 97 years old

A pioneering test pilot and U.S. Air Force general, achieved a significant milestone in aviation history by breaking the sound barrier in 1947. Yeager's flight aboard the Bell X-1, named Glamorous Glennis, marked the first time a human surpassed the speed of sound. Following this groundbreaking achievement, Yeager continued to contribute to the field of aviation through numerous test flights and military service during World War II and the Vietnam War. Later, he served as a key figure in aerospace research, sharing expertise with various aircraft programs.

Continue Reading