William Collins Whitney

American financier and politician

William Collins Whitney - American financier and politician
Born

July 5th, 1841
183 years ago

Died

February 2nd, 1904
121 years ago — 62 years old

Category

Leaders & Politicians

Country

United States

Links & References

Served as the 31st United States Secretary of the Navy from 1885 to 1889. Played a significant role in modernizing the U.S. Navy during a pivotal time of naval expansion. Worked as a financier and investor, contributing to various enterprises, and engaged in Democratic Party politics. Actively involved in the establishment of several important city institutions, significantly impacting urban development in New York City. Influenced policies affecting naval strategy and shipbuilding.

Served as 31st Secretary of the Navy

Modernized the U.S. Navy

Contributed to New York urban development

Other People Born on July 5th

Danay Garcia

Cuban actress from 'Fear the Walking Dead'
Born
July 5th, 1984 40 years ago

Born in Cuba, an actress gained recognition through work in television series and movies. Achievements include roles in popular shows that expanded her visibility in the entertainment industry. Starred in 'Fear the Walking Dead' as Luciana Galveston, showcasing talent in a significant role within the horror genre. Participated in various other projects that demonstrated versatility and skill in acting.

Continue Reading

Hernán Crespo

Footballer and coach, led River Plate
Born
July 5th, 1975 49 years ago

A footballer and coach, celebrated for remarkable goal-scoring ability. Played as a forward for various clubs including River Plate, Parma, Lazio, Inter Milan, and Chelsea. Accumulated significant accolades during club tenures, including several Serie A titles and was a key player in Parma's success in the 1998 UEFA Cup. Contributed to the national team, participating in World Cups and winning the Copa América in 1991 and 1993. Transitioned into coaching after retirement, taking leadership roles at clubs in Argentina and abroad, further contributing to the sport.

Continue Reading

David Farragut

American admiral during Civil War
Born
July 5th, 1801 223 years ago
Died
August 14th, 1870 154 years ago — 69 years old

An American naval officer served in the U.S. Navy during the American Civil War. Participated in key naval engagements, emphasizing the importance of naval power in achieving strategic objectives. Played a significant role in the capture of New Orleans in 1862 and commanded the Union fleet during the Battle of Mobile Bay in 1864. Recognized for the famous phrase "Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!" during this critical battle, which contributed to a decisive Union victory.

Continue Reading

John Schoenherr

Illustrator of 'Where the Wild Things Are'
Born
July 5th, 1935 89 years ago
Died
2010 15 years ago — 75 years old

An American illustrator contributed significantly to children's literature. Illustrated the iconic book 'Where the Wild Things Are' by Maurice Sendak, enhancing its visual storytelling. Worked on various publications and projects, including illustrations for magazines and books. Noteworthy collaborations included work with other renowned authors, which helped shape the aesthetic of modern children's literature.

Continue Reading

Alexander Kristoff

Professional cyclist, Paris-Roubaix winner
Born
July 5th, 1987 37 years ago

A professional cyclist specializing in one-day races and classics. Competing primarily for UAE Team Emirates, achieved notable success in various prestigious cycling events. Won the Paris-Roubaix in 2014, marking a significant milestone in the career. Also secured victories in the Tour of Flanders and multiple stages in Grand Tours, showcasing proficiency in both sprinting and endurance events.

Continue Reading

Allan Simonsen

Danish race car driver and Le Mans competitor
Born
July 5th, 1978 46 years ago
Died
June 22nd, 2013 11 years ago — 34 years old

Born in 1978, this race car driver specialized in endurance racing. Competed in numerous prestigious events, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Excelled in GT racing, featuring prominently in the European Le Mans Series and International GT Open. Achieved notable success with a series of podium finishes and victories across various championships, showcasing skill and resilience on the track.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on February 2nd

Gaston

Duke of Orléans, court figure
Born
1608 417 years ago
Died
February 2nd, 1660 365 years ago — 52 years old

Gaston served as the Duke of Orléans during the early 17th century. He was a prominent figure in the French court, involved in various political intrigues and relationships. A brother to King Louis XIII, Gaston played a significant role in the power struggles of the time, including attempts to undermine the royal authority. His life was marked by aspirations for greater power and influence, which often led to conflicts with the king and other royal allies. Gaston was involved in several military campaigns and was a supporter of various factions, contributing to the political landscape of France before his death in 1660.

Continue Reading

Constantin Carathéodory

Mathematician and academic in Greece
Born
September 13th, 1873 151 years ago
Died
February 2nd, 1950 75 years ago — 76 years old

Contributions focused on real and complex analysis, differential equations, and the calculus of variations. Served as a professor at the University of Munich and later at the University of Göttingen. Offered significant work in the field of measure theory and published influential papers. Involved in the development of modern mathematics in Greece, fostering academic growth.

Continue Reading

Sanford Meisner

Acting teacher, developed Meisner technique
Born
August 31st, 1905 119 years ago
Died
February 2nd, 1997 28 years ago — 91 years old

An American actor and acting coach, played a pivotal role in the development of the Meisner Technique, a widely influential method of acting that emphasizes emotional authenticity and improvisation. Founded the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre in New York City, which became a renowned institution for training actors. Taught numerous successful actors and left a legacy that continues to shape acting education.

Continue Reading

Gustave Lanctot

Canadian historian and academic
Born
July 5th, 1883 141 years ago
Died
February 2nd, 1975 50 years ago — 91 years old

Contributed significantly to the field of Canadian history through numerous publications and academic work. Held a prominent position in historiography, particularly focusing on the French and British colonial periods in Canada. Served as a professor at the Université de Montréal and wrote several important texts that influenced historical perspectives. Engaged in various scholarly activities that promoted Canadian history and heritage.

Continue Reading

Henri Germain

French banker, founder of Le Crédit Lyonnais
Born
1824 201 years ago
Died
February 2nd, 1905 120 years ago — 81 years old

Established Le Crédit Lyonnais in 1863, which became one of the largest banks in France. Contributed significantly to the development of the banking sector during the 19th century, fostering economic growth in France. Participated in political activities, influencing financial policies of the time. His banking institution played a crucial role in financing industrial projects and infrastructure.

Continue Reading

Paul Baloff

Singer-songwriter of thrash metal band Exodus
Born
April 25th, 1960 65 years ago
Died
February 2nd, 2002 23 years ago — 41 years old

Originated in the early 1980s as the lead vocalist for a prominent thrash metal band. Contributed to the band's seminal album, Bonded by Blood, which became a defining record of the genre. After departing the group, returned in the 1990s, contributing to further recordings and tours. Gained recognition for powerful vocal style and high-energy performances, becoming a notable figure in the thrash metal scene until death in 2002.

Continue Reading