William B. Bankhead

American politician, 47th House Speaker

William B. Bankhead - Leaders & Politicians born April 12th, 1874
Born
Died
Category

Leaders & Politicians

Country

United States

Links & References

Born in 1874, served as a lawyer before entering politics. Elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1917, representing Alabama. Held multiple leadership roles, including Majority Leader and finally as the 47th Speaker of the House from 1936 until his death in 1940. Championed various New Deal initiatives and helped navigate significant legislative changes during a crucial period in American history.

Served as the 47th Speaker of the House

Represented Alabama in the House of Representatives

Other People Born on April 12th

Dally Messenger

Rugby player and cricketer
Born
April 12th, 1883 142 years ago
Died
November 24th, 1959 66 years ago — 76 years old

Played rugby union and rugby league, achieving recognition as a pivotal figure in Australian rugby. Excelled as a cricketer and demonstrated versatility by competing in sailing. Represented New South Wales and played for the South Sydney Rabbitohs. Considered a trailblazer for the sport in Australia and contributed to the popularization of rugby.

Continue Reading

Peter Safar

Austrian physician and resuscitation pioneer
Born
April 12th, 1924 101 years ago
Died
August 2nd, 2003 22 years ago — 79 years old

Contributions to the field of medicine emphasized the importance of resuscitation techniques. Developed the concept of Basic Life Support, which has been integrated into CPR courses worldwide. Established the first intensive care unit and introduced innovative strategies for patient care. His work laid the foundation for modern cardiopulmonary resuscitation practices, significantly influencing emergency medicine protocols.

Continue Reading

David Letterman

Television host and late-night comedian
Born
April 12th, 1947 78 years ago

A comedian and television host became a prominent figure in late-night television through the creation and hosting of 'The Late Show with David Letterman' on CBS. Beginning his career in the 1970s, he initially gained recognition with 'Late Night with David Letterman' on NBC. The show featured a mix of comedy sketches, celebrity interviews, and musical performances. Over the years, the unique style included unconventional stunts and a distinctive presence, contributing to the evolution of late-night formats.

Continue Reading

Lee Jong-wook

Physician and Director-General of WHO
Born
April 12th, 1945 80 years ago
Died
May 22nd, 2006 19 years ago — 61 years old

A physician and diplomat served as the Director-General of the World Health Organization from 2006 until 2006. Lee played a pivotal role in the global response to health crises, particularly during the outbreak of avian influenza. Under leadership, WHO focused on strengthening health systems across various nations, promoting vaccines, and emphasizing disease control strategies. Lee advocated for universal access to essential medicines and made significant contributions to public health initiatives worldwide.

Continue Reading

Pietro Nardini

Italian violinist and composer
Born
April 12th, 1722 303 years ago
Died
May 7th, 1793 232 years ago — 71 years old

Born in Italy in 1722, a prominent violinist and composer contributed significantly to the Baroque music tradition. Studied under various renowned musicians and published several works, including violin concertos and sonatas. Held the position of concertmaster at the Medici court in Florence, influencing the development of violin techniques and styles during the 18th century. His compositions continued to be performed and studied, reflecting the musical trends of the time.

Continue Reading

Jan Tinbergen

Economist, Nobel Prize laureate
Born
April 12th, 1903 122 years ago
Died
June 9th, 1994 31 years ago — 91 years old

An economist and academic made significant contributions to the field of economics. Played a key role in the development of econometrics, which applies statistical methods to economic data. Awarded the first Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences in 1969 for contributions to the development of econometric models and economic dynamics. Served as a professor of economics at the Netherlands School of Economics and engaged in economic policy discussions.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on September 15th

Willy Messerschmitt

German engineer and aircraft designer
Born
June 26th, 1898 127 years ago
Died
September 15th, 1978 47 years ago — 80 years old

An influential engineer and businessman focused on aircraft design and production. Founded Messerschmitt AG, leading the development of the Messerschmitt Bf 109, a prominent fighter aircraft used by the Luftwaffe in World War II. Contributed to the design of innovative aircraft post-war, establishing a reputation for engineering excellence in the aviation industry. Actively participated in the development of the Me 262, the world's first operational jet-powered fighter.

Continue Reading

Geoffrey Fisher

English Archbishop, leader in Anglican Church
Born
1887 139 years ago
Died
September 15th, 1972 53 years ago — 85 years old

Served as the Archbishop of Canterbury from 1945 to 1961. Played a significant role in rebuilding the Anglican Church post-World War II. Participated in ecumenical discussions aimed at fostering unity among Christian denominations. Helped promote the Church of England's involvement in global issues.

Continue Reading

William Huskisson

British politician, Secretary of State
Born
1770 256 years ago
Died
September 15th, 1830 195 years ago — 60 years old

A prominent British financier and politician held the position of Secretary of State for War and the Colonies. Instrumental in the development of economic policy, advocated for the repeal of the corn laws to promote free trade. Served as Member of Parliament for multiple constituencies, including Liverpool. Contributed to infrastructure improvements, promoting the railway industry. Played a key role in the advancement of the 19th-century industrial economy.

Continue Reading

Frances Bay

Actress in 'Happy Gilmore' and 'The X-Files'
Born
January 23rd, 1919 107 years ago
Died
September 15th, 2011 14 years ago — 92 years old

Born in 1919, this Canadian-American actress appeared in numerous television shows and films. Best recognized for roles in 'Happy Gilmore' and the series 'The X-Files', she contributed to projects spanning various genres, showcasing her versatility in character portrayal. Active in the entertainment industry for several decades, her career included performances in theatre before transitioning to film and television. She garnered attention for her ability to portray both comedic and dramatic roles effectively, leaving a lasting impression on audiences.

Continue Reading

Thomas Wolfe

American novelist, Look Homeward, Angel
Born
October 3rd, 1900 125 years ago
Died
September 15th, 1938 87 years ago — 37 years old

A prominent American novelist, this figure explored the human experience through lyrical prose and expansive narratives. Born in 1900, the individual gained recognition for capturing the essence of early 20th-century America. The debut novel, 'Look Homeward, Angel,' published in 1929, showcased a semi-autobiographical approach that drew upon personal experiences. Additionally, works like 'Of Time and the River' further established literary credentials, often reflecting deep philosophical insights. Throughout a brief yet impactful career, this author contributed significantly to the American literary landscape until passing in 1938.

Continue Reading

Linnie Marsh Wolfe

American librarian and author
Born
January 8th, 1881 145 years ago
Died
September 15th, 1945 80 years ago — 64 years old

Contributions included work as a librarian and authorship of numerous novels and children's books. Writings often reflected a deep understanding of literature and showcased various narrative styles. Active in literary circles, engaged with different literary societies and contributed to professional libraries, focusing on improving library services and accessibility. Significant involvement in promoting library science as a field.

Continue Reading