William Kissam Vanderbilt II
American lieutenant and sailor

Born
October 26th, 1878
146 years ago
Died
January 8th, 1944
81 years ago — 65 years old
Category
Military & Warriors
Country
United States
Links & References
Served as a lieutenant during World War I and contributed to naval aviation efforts in the United States. Established an automobile and yacht racing legacy, leading the Vanderbilt Cup race for many years. Additionally, was an active participant in marine conservation initiatives and supported the development of the North Shore of Long Island's real estate.
Served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy
Established the Vanderbilt Cup automobile race
Contributed to yacht racing heritage
Other People Born on October 26th
Jackie Coogan
Began acting as a child in silent films, achieving fame for the role of The Kid alongside Charlie Chaplin. Transitioned to sound films and television, capturing audiences with performances in series such as The Addams Family, where he portrayed Uncle Fester. Continued to work in the entertainment industry for several decades, contributing to both film and television.
Continue ReadingNick Collison
Played as a power forward and center in the NBA, primarily for the Seattle SuperSonics and Oklahoma City Thunder. Had a collegiate career at the University of Kansas, where he achieved All-American honors. Concluded NBA career with the Thunder after a notable tenure, contributing to the team’s deep playoff runs, including an appearance in the NBA Finals in 2012.
Continue ReadingFerdinand Georg Frobenius
Contributions to mathematics included the development of the theory of matrices and representation theory. Frobenius worked at various academic institutions, with significant tenure at the University of Berlin. Best known for establishing the Frobenius theorem, which pertains to differential equations and integrability conditions. The work laid foundations critical to modern algebra, influencing later research in both abstract algebra and mathematical physics.
Continue ReadingMark Swanepoel
A rugby player from South Africa, Swanepoel played primarily as a wing. He represented the South African national team and competed in international matches during his career. Swanepoel's club career included significant time with various teams in the domestic league, where he demonstrated skills that contributed to his team's performance. His dedication to the sport was evident through many seasons of play at both the club and international levels.
Continue ReadingFrancisco Liriano
Played as a pitcher in Major League Baseball for multiple teams including the Minnesota Twins, Chicago White Sox, and Pittsburgh Pirates. Debuted in 2005 and garnered attention for striking out various batters with a notable changeup. Achieved the American League Rookie of the Year award in 2006, showcasing a strong performance during his early career. Contributed to the 2015 Pittsburgh Pirates playoff team and remained active in the league through various seasons, finishing with over 1,300 strikeouts throughout his career.
Continue ReadingAnna of Hesse
Born in 1529, a prominent German noble, played a significant role in the Hessian court. Arranged marriage to Philip I of Hesse strengthened political alliances. Oversaw cultural developments and maintained connections between Protestant reformers. Engaged in the military support of her husband, influencing his decisions during conflicts. Oversaw several public events and was an important figure in the court.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on January 8th
Ellis H. Roberts
Worked as a journalist and served as the 20th Treasurer of the United States from 1893 to 1895. Involved in various political activities and held several public office positions throughout a career in both journalism and politics. Contributed to major publications and was active in the financial oversight of the nation during a transformative period in American history.
Continue ReadingJohn George
Assumed leadership as Elector of Brandenburg from 1571 until death in 1598. Played a significant role in military and political affairs during the late 16th century. Engaged in conflicts that illustrated Brandenburg’s military presence and political ambitions in the Holy Roman Empire. His tenure included efforts to consolidate power and navigate alliances amidst regional struggles.
Continue ReadingCelestine III
Served as pope from 1191 until 1198, guiding the Catholic Church during a period marked by political and ecclesiastical challenges. Issued several papal decrees and sought to consolidate the authority of the papacy. Notable for mediating disputes involving the Holy Roman Empire and for promoting the interests of the Church in various regions. Aimed to strengthen the papal system and maintain the governance of Church lands amidst external pressures.
Continue ReadingEmperor Norton
An English-American businessman declared himself Emperor of the United States in 1859, living in San Francisco. The proclamation brought a unique blend of humor and absurdity to local culture. Despite lacking any formal power, enacted edicts, including the establishment of a bridge between California and the Pacific coast. Received public support and affection, often seen as a symbol of hope during challenging economic times. Lived in relative obscurity until death in 1880.
Continue ReadingThorbjørn Svenssen
Played as a forward and spent a significant portion of the career at Lillestrøm SK, where notable performances included competing in the Norwegian top division. Additionally represented the national team, contributing to its presence in European competitions. Engaged in football activities until retirement.
Continue ReadingJohn Mauchly
Contributions to the development of electronic computing. Collaborated on the Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer (ENIAC), one of the first general-purpose electronic digital computers. Worked on various projects related to electronic computing and served as a professor at several institutions. Published numerous papers on computing and related fields, influencing future generations of engineers and computer scientists.
Continue Reading