William Joel Blass

American soldier and politician

William Joel Blass - American soldier and politician
Born

October 19th, 1917
107 years ago

Died

October 23rd, 2012
12 years ago — 95 years old

Category

Leaders & Politicians

Country

United States

Links & References

Served in the United States Army during World War II, participating in key operations. Held various legal roles after returning from military service, including working as an attorney. Elected to the Virginia House of Delegates, representing the 13th District for multiple terms. Throughout political career, focused on legislative issues and community engagement within the local region.

Served in the U.S. Army during World War II

Elected to the Virginia House of Delegates

Other People Born on October 19th

James Bevel

Civil Rights Activist and Minister
Born
October 19th, 1936 88 years ago
Died
December 19th, 2008 16 years ago — 72 years old

Played a significant role in the American civil rights movement. Served as a leader of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and organized initiatives to promote voting rights and desegregation. Advocated for nonviolent protest and played a key role in the Selma to Montgomery marches. Worked closely with influential civil rights leaders and focused on grassroots organizing to achieve legislative change.

Continue Reading

Dmitry of Uglich

Crown prince and saint of Russia
Born
October 19th, 1582 442 years ago
Died
1591 434 years ago — 9 years old

Born in 1582, a Russian crown prince who became a saint after his untimely death. The prince's life was marked by political intrigue and family conflict within the royal family. Dmitry was raised in the small town of Uglich, where he lived in relative seclusion. He died under mysterious circumstances at the young age of eight, leading to speculation about foul play. His death was followed by a series of tragic events and contributed to the Time of Troubles in Russia. In 1606, he was canonized by the Russian Orthodox Church, and his feast day is celebrated annually. The prince's legacy remains as a symbol of innocence and the tumultuous period of Russian history surrounding his life and death.

Continue Reading

Steve Doocy

Television journalist and author
Born
October 19th, 1956 68 years ago

A television journalist and author contributed significantly to the field of broadcast journalism. Served as a co-host on the morning news program "Fox & Friends" for nearly two decades. Authored several books, including a cookbook highlighting family recipes. Engaged viewers with a blend of news and entertainment, shaping mornings for millions across the United States.

Continue Reading

Arne Bendiksen

Norwegian singer and composer
Born
October 19th, 1926 98 years ago
Died
March 26th, 2009 16 years ago — 82 years old

A significant figure in Norwegian music, contributed extensively as both a singer and composer. Achieved recognition for songwriting and performing, particularly during the 1960s and 1970s. Composed several hit songs that resonated with the public. Successfully participated in the Eurovision Song Contest as a representative for Norway, showcasing talents on an international stage.

Continue Reading

Demetrios Christodoulou

Mathematician and physicist in geometry
Born
October 19th, 1951 73 years ago

A prominent figure in mathematics and physics, contributions focused on the field of general relativity and the mathematical analysis of gravitational waves. Achievements include a significant role in proving the stability of the Minkowski spacetime. Collaborated with noted scientists on various theoretical advancements and has published extensively in the areas of differential geometry and general relativity.

Continue Reading

Jaap Eden

Speed skater and cyclist champion
Born
October 19th, 1873 151 years ago
Died
February 2nd, 1925 100 years ago — 51 years old

Achieved remarkable success in both speed skating and cycling during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Dominated the speed skating scene, winning the World Allround Championships in 1893, 1894, and 1895. Transitioned to cycling, where notable achievements included winning the 1894 World Championship in one mile track cycling. His versatility in both sports garnered attention and respect, establishing a legacy in Dutch athletics.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on October 23rd

Edward Adelbert Doisy

Biochemist, Nobel Prize laureate
Born
November 13th, 1893 131 years ago
Died
October 23rd, 1986 38 years ago — 92 years old

A prominent biochemist contributed significantly to the understanding of vitamins and hormones. Conducted pivotal research on the chemistry of vitamin K and its role in blood coagulation. Served as a professor at Washington University in St. Louis, influencing the field of biochemistry through teaching and research. Received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1943, shared with another scientist for their work in the discovery of vitamins.

Continue Reading

Sweyn III

Danish king during the 12th century
Died
October 23rd, 1157 867 years ago — None years old

Ascended to the throne of Denmark around 1146. Ruled during a period marked by internal strife and challenges to authority. Engaged in military campaigns to secure royal power and territory. Faced opposition from rival factions, including his own family members. His reign ended with death in 1157, leading to further instability in the Danish monarchy.

Continue Reading

Eric Ambler

Novelist and screenwriter of thrillers
Born
June 28th, 1909 115 years ago
Died
October 23rd, 1998 26 years ago — 89 years old

An English author and screenwriter, this individual became recognized for contributions to the crime and thriller genres. Buchan's adventure novels influenced writing style and thematic elements in subsequent works. Received the Edgar Award for Best Novel for the book 'The Mask of Dimitrios' published in 1939, a hallmark of crime fiction. Adaptations of works into film further cemented a legacy in literature and cinema. Also contributed screenplays for several films during the 1950s and 1960s, showcasing versatility across different mediums of storytelling.

Continue Reading

Eric Reece

Australian politician, 32nd Premier of Tasmania
Born
July 6th, 1909 115 years ago
Died
October 23rd, 1999 25 years ago — 90 years old

Served as the 32nd Premier of Tasmania from 1972 to 1975, representing the Australian Labor Party. Held various ministerial positions, including Minister for Education and Minister for Transport. Worked to improve public services and infrastructure within Tasmania during the time in office.

Continue Reading

Stanley Tanger

Businessman and philanthropist; founded Tanger Outlet Centers
Born
1923 102 years ago
Died
October 23rd, 2010 14 years ago — 87 years old

Established Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, revolutionizing the retail landscape through outlet shopping. Expanded the company into a leading publicly traded retail entity, providing a model for shopping centers across the United States. Engaged in various philanthropic efforts contributing to education and community development. Over the years, the company grew to operate over 70 outlet centers nationwide, offering a wide range of brand name products at reduced prices.

Continue Reading

Franz Bopp

Linguist and academic, wrote Comparative Grammar
Born
September 14th, 1791 233 years ago
Died
October 23rd, 1867 157 years ago — 76 years old

An influential linguist and academic, contributed significantly to the study of historical linguistics. Established the principles of comparative grammar. His work laid the groundwork for the development of modern linguistics. Focused on the Indo-European languages and was instrumental in the establishment of comparative philology as a field of study. Developed methods for analyzing linguistic relationships and documented the similarities among languages.

Continue Reading