Victor Emmanuel II of Italy
King of Italy and first Italian king
Served as King of Sardinia from 1849 and became the first King of Italy in 1861. Played a pivotal role in the unification of Italy, overseeing significant military campaigns and political maneuvers that consolidated various states into a single nation. His reign witnessed the annexation of territories, including Lombardy and the Two Sicilies, ultimately leading to the establishment of Italy as a kingdom. Held the throne until death in 1878, leaving a legacy in the formation of modern Italy.
First King of a unified Italy
Oversaw the unification process
Reigned over the Kingdom of Sardinia
Other People Born on March 14th
John Lane
English publisher, co-founded The Bodley Head
Born
March 14th, 1854 171 years ago
Died
1925 100 years ago — 71 years old
Co-founded The Bodley Head, a significant publishing house in London, which published various influential authors and works during the early 20th century. Focused on bringing new voices to the literary scene, curated a catalogue that included notable writers and themes. Played a role in the promotion of modernist literature through innovative publishing strategies, establishing a reputation for quality and literary merit.
Continue ReadingJerry Greenfield
Businessman, co-founder of Ben & Jerry's
Born
March 14th, 1951 74 years ago
Co-founded an ice cream company in 1978 with a focus on quality and unique flavors. The brand gained recognition for its commitment to social justice and environmental sustainability. The company became known for its innovative product offerings and engaging flavors, which contributed to its rapid growth and popularity. In 2000, the company was sold to Unilever but continued its philanthropic efforts.
Continue ReadingAlgernon Blackwood
English author of supernatural fiction
Born
March 14th, 1869 156 years ago
Died
December 10th, 1951 74 years ago — 82 years old
An English author and playwright, contributions primarily focused on supernatural fiction. Writings included short stories, novels, and plays, often exploring themes of nature and the unknown. Developed a distinctive voice in the genre, celebrated for a unique ability to evoke atmosphere and suspense. Works frequently published in various literary magazines, gaining a considerable readership during the early 20th century. Among the most celebrated stories are 'The Willows' and 'The Wendigo', illustrating the blend of the natural world with the supernatural. Also involved in theatre, producing stage adaptations of own works.
Continue ReadingGiovanni Schiaparelli
Italian astronomer and historian
Born
March 14th, 1835 190 years ago
Died
July 4th, 1910 115 years ago — 75 years old
An Italian astronomer and historian contributed significantly to the study of Mars. Schiaparelli worked at the Brera Observatory in Milan and became the director of the observatory. He published detailed maps of Mars, noted for the accurate depiction of the planet's surface features. His observations led to the introduction of the term 'canali', which was misinterpreted as 'canals' in English, spurring interest in the possibility of extraterrestrial life. Schiaparelli also authored various works on astronomy and history, influencing future research.
Continue ReadingAnton Philips
Businessman, co-founded Philips Electronics
Born
March 14th, 1874 151 years ago
Died
1951 74 years ago — 77 years old
Co-founded Philips Electronics in 1891, significantly contributing to the development of electrical appliances and consumer electronics. Philips became one of the largest electronics companies globally, known for innovations in lighting, medical devices, and audio equipment. Under his leadership, the company expanded internationally and emphasized research and development, enhancing technology in various fields.
Continue ReadingFrançois Sterchele
Belgian footballer with notable goals.
Born
March 14th, 1982 43 years ago
Died
May 8th, 2008 17 years ago — 26 years old
Played professional football primarily as a forward. Began career at Germinal Beerschot and later joined Club Brugge, where notable performances included contributing to the team's successes in domestic leagues. Transferred to the Belgian national team and achieved recognition for skills and scoring ability. Tragically passed away in 2008, cutting a promising career short.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on January 9th
Brigitte Askonas
Immunologist with vaccine research
Born
1923 102 years ago
Died
January 9th, 2013 12 years ago — 90 years old
An immunologist and academic made significant contributions to the field of immunology, particularly in vaccine development. Work included research on the immune response and the mechanisms of autoimmune diseases. Collaborated with prominent scientists and institutions on various research projects. Served as a professor and held important academic positions throughout a career spent in both Austria and the United Kingdom.
Continue ReadingDale T. Mortensen
Economist, Nobel Prize winner in Economics
Born
February 2nd, 1939 86 years ago
Died
January 9th, 2014 11 years ago — 74 years old
An American economist focused on search theory and macroeconomic theory. Contributed to the understanding of how labor market dynamics affect unemployment and job matching. Served on the faculty at Northwestern University, influencing economic thought and research. Received the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences in 2010 for work in labor market analysis and search theory.
Continue ReadingSpud Chandler
Major League Baseball pitcher and manager
Born
1907 118 years ago
Died
January 9th, 1990 35 years ago — 83 years old
A professional baseball player and manager, Chandler played in Major League Baseball primarily for the New York Yankees from 1947 to 1951. His pitching skills contributed to the Yankees winning three consecutive World Series championships from 1949 to 1951. Following his playing career, he served as a coach and manager in the minor leagues, notably leading teams in the Class A South Atlantic League. His career in baseball spanned over two decades, involving both player and coaching positions.
Continue ReadingAbdul Rahman Ya'kub
Malaysian lawyer and politician, Chief Minister
Born
January 3rd, 1928 97 years ago
Died
January 9th, 2015 10 years ago — 87 years old
A prominent Malaysian lawyer and politician, served as the 3rd Chief Minister of Sarawak from 1970 to 1981. Advocated for the rights and development of the local community, focusing on infrastructure and education. Contributed to the establishment of policies aimed at improving the socio-economic status of Sarawak.
Continue ReadingWilliam Hedley
English engineer and inventor of locomotives
Born
1773 252 years ago
Died
January 9th, 1843 182 years ago — 70 years old
An English engineer, significant contributions were made to railway technology. Innovated the design of steam locomotives, particularly the development of the Puffing Billy in 1813. This locomotive became one of the earliest operating prototypes and influenced railway design in the early 19th century. Worked on the Wylam Dilly, an early coal wagon locomotive, which marked advancements in locomotive engineering. Hedley's work laid foundational principles for modern railway systems.
Continue ReadingSteve Brodie
American actor in 1970s films
Born
1919 106 years ago
Died
January 9th, 1992 33 years ago — 73 years old
An American actor gained recognition for roles in several films during the 1970s, particularly in the horror genre. Featured in the cult classic film 'The Omen', the actor also appeared in other notable titles such as 'The Devil's Rain' and 'The Legend of the 7 Golden Vampires'. Career spanned both television and film, contributing to a variety of projects in predominantly supporting roles. Participation in the entertainment industry took place during a significant era for horror films, having left a mark within that niche.
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