Violet Jessop

Nurse and Titanic survivor

Violet Jessop - Nurse and Titanic survivor
Born

1887
138 years ago

Died

May 5th, 1971
54 years ago — 84 years old

Category

Activists & Humanitarians

Country

Argentina

Links & References

Served as a nurse aboard the RMS Titanic during its ill-fated maiden voyage in April 1912. Survived the sinking and was also aboard other vessels that encountered disasters, including the HMHS Britannic, which sank in the Aegean Sea during World War I. After the war, continued to work in nursing and shipping until retirement. Authored an autobiography that detailed experiences at sea.

Survived the sinking of the RMS Titanic

Survived the sinking of the HMHS Britannic

Other People Who Died on May 5th

Napoleon Bonaparte

French general and emperor
Born
August 15th, 1769 255 years ago
Died
May 5th, 1821 204 years ago — 51 years old

Born on August 15, 1769, a French military leader rose to prominence during the French Revolution and led several successful campaigns during the Revolutionary Wars. Became Emperor of the French in 1804 and established the Napoleonic Code, which influenced legal systems worldwide. His military prowess was displayed in significant battles, such as Austerlitz and Waterloo. The invasion of Russia in 1812 marked a turning point in his fortunes. After a series of defeats, was exiled to Elba and later to Saint Helena, where he died on May 5, 1821.

Continue Reading

Binyamin Elon

Israeli Orthodox rabbi and politician
Born
1954 71 years ago
Died
May 5th, 2017 8 years ago — 63 years old

Served as a member of the Knesset and held the position of Minister of Tourism in Israel. Participated in the formation of the National Religious Party and was influential in various political initiatives concerning religious and national issues. Advocated for religious education and Jewish settlement in the West Bank. Contributed to discussions on Israeli identity and cultural heritage.

Continue Reading

Frederick III

Elector of Saxony and humanist patron
Born
January 17th, 1463 562 years ago
Died
May 5th, 1525 500 years ago — 62 years old

Born in 1463, Frederick III served as the Elector of Saxony. He was a significant figure in the early stages of the Protestant Reformation. Hosting Martin Luther at his court, he provided crucial support for Luther's writings and ideas. Frederick's role as the protector of Luther allowed for the establishment of Protestantism in Saxony. Additionally, he was an advocate for education and the arts, contributing to the development of the University of Wittenberg, which became a center for Reformation thought. His death in 1525 marked the end of an influential leadership during a transformative period in European history.

Continue Reading

Clifton Hillegass

American publisher, founded CliffsNotes
Born
April 18th, 1918 107 years ago
Died
May 5th, 2001 24 years ago — 83 years old

Founded CliffsNotes, a series of study guides that simplify classic literature and academic subjects, influencing education across the United States. The concept originated from a desire to aid students in understanding complex texts. These study aids became widely used by students for exam preparation and classwork assistance. CliffsNotes became synonymous with literature study guides, eventually expanding into various subjects and educational resources. The brand maintained a prominent presence in American education for decades.

Continue Reading

Carlos Saavedra Lamas

Argentinian politician and Nobel laureate
Born
November 1st, 1878 146 years ago
Died
May 5th, 1959 66 years ago — 80 years old

An academic and politician from Argentina, Lamas served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Worship and played a significant role in peace negotiations during the Chaco War between Bolivia and Paraguay. He contributed to various international diplomatic efforts and focused on social and educational reforms within Argentina. Lamas received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1936 for his advocacy of peace and disarmament, emphasizing the need for international cooperation. His engagement in promoting peace continued throughout his career.

Continue Reading

August Wilhelm von Hofmann

Chemist known for organic chemistry advances
Born
April 8th, 1818 207 years ago
Died
May 5th, 1892 133 years ago — 74 years old

Contributed significantly to the field of organic chemistry. Developed new synthetic methods and studied many important organic compounds. Served as a professor at the University of Berlin, influencing the study of chemistry in Germany and beyond. Pioneered research on the structure of organic compounds and the use of coal tar in dyes. His work laid foundational concepts still utilized in modern chemistry.

Continue Reading