William Hedley

English engineer and inventor of locomotives

William Hedley - English engineer and inventor of locomotives
Born

1773
252 years ago

Died

January 9th, 1843
182 years ago — 70 years old

Category

Scientists & Innovators

Country

England

Links & References

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.

Developed the Puffing Billy locomotive

Engineered the Wylam Dilly locomotive

Other People Who Died on January 9th

Dale 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 Reading

Adrien-Marie Legendre

French mathematician and theorist
Born
September 18th, 1752 272 years ago
Died
January 9th, 1833 192 years ago — 80 years old

Contributed significantly to mathematics, particularly in number theory and statistics. Developed Legendre polynomials and introduced the method of least squares. His work in number theory included the formulation of Legendre's conjecture concerning prime numbers. Authored influential texts on analysis and number theory, which became standard references in mathematics.

Continue Reading

Józef Oleksy

Polish politician and economist, Prime Minister
Born
June 22nd, 1946 78 years ago
Died
January 9th, 2015 10 years ago — 68 years old

An economist and politician served as the 7th Prime Minister of Poland from 1995 to 1996. Played a significant role in the political landscape of the country during the post-communist transition. Associated with the Polish Social Democratic Party and actively participated in various reform initiatives throughout the 1990s. Also held the position of Speaker of the Sejm, contributing to legislative processes and government policies.

Continue Reading

Jean-Pierre Vernant

French anthropologist and historian
Born
1914 111 years ago
Died
January 9th, 2007 18 years ago — 93 years old

An influential figure in the fields of anthropology and history, contributed significantly to the understanding of ancient Greece through a combination of historical and anthropological analysis. Focused on the cultural practices and social organizations of ancient societies, shaping the study of Greek history and mythology. Emphasized the importance of narrative and ritual in understanding the human experience, and engaged with the works of modern theorists in framing his insights. Played a critical role in the popularization of structuralism within historical studies.

Continue Reading

Anne of Brittany

Queen consort of France
Born
January 25th, 1477 548 years ago
Died
January 9th, 1514 511 years ago — 36 years old

Served as queen consort of France through marriages to Charles VIII and Louis XII. Played a crucial role in the integration of Brittany into the French crown. Oversaw the growth of arts and architecture in France during the Renaissance. Actively supported the establishment of the 'Edict of Nantes' in 1598, providing tolerance for Protestants in France.

Continue Reading

Malam Bacai Sanhá

Politician, President of Guinea-Bissau
Born
1947 78 years ago
Died
January 9th, 2012 13 years ago — 65 years old

Served as the President of Guinea-Bissau from 2009 until death in 2012. Held a significant role in the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC). Was involved in the country's independence struggle and later governance. Sanhá was instrumental in guiding the nation through a tumultuous political landscape characterized by instability and coup attempts. During presidency, focused on reconciliation and political stability.

Continue Reading