William Alexander

Irish archbishop and poet

William Alexander - Irish archbishop and poet
Born

April 13th, 1824
201 years ago

Died

1911
114 years ago — 87 years old

Category

Leaders & Politicians

Country

Ireland

Links & References

An Irish archbishop, poet, and theologian contributed significantly to religious literature. Served as the Archbishop of Armagh from 1887 until 1911. Authored several works that explored the intersection of faith and reason, with a focus on pastoral care and responsibilities. Engaged in various theological discussions and writings that shaped contemporary religious thought. His poetry often reflected spiritual themes and the beauty of nature.

Served as Archbishop of Armagh

Authored poetry and theological works

Other People Born on April 13th

Dadasaheb Torne

Indian director and producer
Born
April 13th, 1890 135 years ago
Died
1960 65 years ago — 70 years old

A pioneer in Indian cinema, directed the first full-length Indian feature film, Raja Harishchandra, in 1913. Also produced and directed numerous silent films, contributing significantly to the early development of the Indian film industry. Established the first Indian film studio, Maharashtra Film Company, which played a crucial role in film production during the silent film era.

Continue Reading

Alfred Mosher Butts

Game designer, inventor of Scrabble
Born
April 13th, 1899 126 years ago
Died
April 4th, 1993 32 years ago — 93 years old

A game designer developed the popular word game Scrabble in the early 1930s. This game combined elements of crossword puzzles and word games, utilizing letter tiles with varying point values to create words on a grid. Butts created the game while he was seeking a way to combine his interests in architecture and word play. It was initially called 'Lexiko' before being renamed Scrabble. The game gained popularity after its commercial launch in 1948, leading to a successful partnership with game manufacturer Selchow and Righter. The game's enduring appeal has resulted in numerous editions and variations, establishing a lasting legacy in the realm of board games.

Continue Reading

Thomas Lawrence

English painter; portrait of the Duke of Wellington
Born
April 13th, 1769 256 years ago
Died
January 7th, 1830 195 years ago — 60 years old

An English painter and educator, recognized for contributions to portrait painting during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Served as the president of the Royal Academy from 1820 until death in 1830. Notable works include portraits of prominent figures of the time, such as the Duke of Wellington and Lord Byron. Played a pivotal role in the development of academic art training in England. Established a studio that attracted many talented artists, influencing generations in the discipline.

Continue Reading

Robert Orville Anderson

Businessman, founder of Atlantic Richfield
Born
April 13th, 1917 108 years ago
Died
2007 18 years ago — 90 years old

Founded Atlantic Richfield Company, a major publicly traded oil company in the United States. Expanded operations in the petroleum industry, leading to significant growth and success. Played a vital role in the development of oil resources during the mid-20th century. Contributed to various philanthropic efforts, particularly in education and the arts, later in life.

Continue Reading

William Sadler

American actor - The Shawshank Redemption
Born
April 13th, 1950 75 years ago

An American actor began his career on stage before transitioning to film and television. Gained acclaim for roles in several notable productions. Appeared in 'The Shawshank Redemption' as Heywood, contributing to the film's critical success. Also played significant roles in 'Die Hard 2' and 'Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey'. Featured in multiple television series, including 'Roswell' and 'The Green Mile'.

Continue Reading

Ray Lyman Wilbur

Politician and Secretary of the Interior
Born
April 13th, 1875 150 years ago
Died
1949 76 years ago — 74 years old

Served as the 31st United States Secretary of the Interior from 1929 to 1933. Held the position of president of Stanford University from 1916 to 1943, significantly influencing higher education. Worked as an academic physician, specializing in health policy and public health.

Continue Reading