William MacGillivray
Scottish ornithologist and biologist
Born in 1796, an influential Scottish ornithologist and biologist contributed extensively to the field of ornithology. Authored significant works including 'The Modern History of the Birds of Great Britain' and was a key figure in the production of 'The Birds of Great Britain', which featured many original illustrations. In addition to ornithology, researched various aspects of natural history and worked as a professor of Natural History at Marischal College in Aberdeen.
Authored 'The Modern History of the Birds of Great Britain'
Contributed to 'The Birds of Great Britain'
Served as a professor at Marischal College
Other People Born on January 25th
Apostolos Giannou
Greek-Australian professional footballer
Born
January 25th, 1990 36 years ago
Born in 1990, this athlete has played as a striker and represented multiple clubs in Australia and Europe. Initiated a professional career at Central Coast Mariners before moving to various international teams, including a notable stint at A-League's Brisbane Roar. Represented Australia at various youth levels and earned caps for the senior national team. Contributed to team efforts in various domestic league campaigns as well as Asian competitions.
Continue ReadingPaul-Henri Spaak
Belgian lawyer and politician, Prime Minister
Born
January 25th, 1899 127 years ago
Died
July 31st, 1972 53 years ago — 73 years old
Served as the 46th Prime Minister of Belgium from 1946 to 1949. Played a significant role in post-war recovery efforts and the integration of European countries through various treaties. Advocated for the establishment of the European Economic Community. Contributed to the modernization of Belgium's infrastructure and public services during a period of reconstruction.
Continue ReadingTostão
Brazilian footballer and physician
Born
January 25th, 1947 79 years ago
A prominent footballer, achieved significant success with the Brazilian national team, winning the 1970 FIFA World Cup. Played as a forward for Cruzeiro, contributing to their success in domestic competitions. Later pursued a career in journalism and medicine, becoming a respected figure in both fields. His versatile career spanned athletics and academia.
Continue ReadingCharles Curtis
31st U.S. Vice President
Born
January 25th, 1860 166 years ago
Died
February 8th, 1936 89 years ago — 76 years old
Served as the 31st Vice President of the United States from 1929 to 1933 under President Herbert Hoover. Curtis was the first person with Native American ancestry to hold the office of Vice President. A member of the Republican Party, he previously represented Kansas in the U.S. Senate from 1907 to 1913 and from 1915 to 1929, where he served as the Senate's majority leader. Curtis began his political career in the Kansas House of Representatives and later served as the state's Attorney General. His legal and political background supported his longstanding involvement in governance.
Continue ReadingGiorgos Zampetas
Greek bouzouki player and composer
Born
January 25th, 1925 101 years ago
Died
March 10th, 1992 33 years ago — 67 years old
A prominent bouzouki player and composer from Greece, influential in the realm of contemporary Greek music. Contributed significantly to the popularization of the bouzouki as a solo instrument. Started a musical career in the 1940s, and collaborated with numerous notable artists throughout the years. Established a distinctive style that combined traditional Greek sounds with modern influences. Continued performing and recording until death in 1992.
Continue ReadingWilliam Colgate
Businessman and founder of Colgate-Palmolive
Born
January 25th, 1783 243 years ago
Died
March 25th, 1857 168 years ago — 74 years old
An English-American businessman established a personal care and cleaning products company that later became Colgate-Palmolive. In 1806, started a soap business in New York City, which expanded into producing additional personal care products and dental hygiene items. The company became renowned for its toothpaste and soap products. Colgate was also active in philanthropy, contributing to various charitable causes.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on September 4th
Hervé Villechaize
French actor known for Fantasy Island
Born
April 23rd, 1943 82 years ago
Died
September 4th, 1993 32 years ago — 50 years old
An actor achieved prominence in the role of Tattoo on the television series Fantasy Island. Born in France, gained recognition for distinct height and charismatic performances. Contributed significantly to the show's popularity during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Also appeared in films such as The Man with the Golden Gun and served as a cultural icon in various roles reflecting diverse backgrounds.
Continue ReadingLola Bobesco
Violinist and music educator
Born
1921 105 years ago
Died
September 4th, 2003 22 years ago — 82 years old
A violinist and educator, contributions included both performance and teaching. Collaborated with notable orchestras across Europe and gained recognition for interpretations of classical repertoire. Taught at various institutions, influencing the next generation of musicians. Performances included prestigious venues and festivals, showcasing skills that earned acclaim from audiences and critics alike.
Continue ReadingJohn Francon Williams
Writer and cartographer of notable works
Born
1854 172 years ago
Died
September 4th, 1911 114 years ago — 57 years old
Welsh-born writer, journalist, and cartographer contributed to literature and geography through significant writings. Engaged in historical and geographical studies, published various articles that explored themes of landscape and national identity. Worked as a geographer and inventor, focusing on issues of mapping and navigation. His contributions to cartography and historical analysis remained influential in academic circles. His works often reflected a deep understanding of Welsh culture and geography. Developed numerous maps that illustrated the changing landscapes of Wales during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Continue ReadingRonald Syme
Historian and scholar of ancient Rome
Born
March 11th, 1903 122 years ago
Died
September 4th, 1989 36 years ago — 86 years old
Born in New Zealand, a historian specialized in the history of ancient Rome. Contributed significantly to the understanding of Roman political history. The influential work 'The Roman Revolution' examined the transformation of the Roman Republic into the Roman Empire. Held academic positions at the University of New Zealand and later at Oxford University, shaping the field of ancient history through research and scholarship.
Continue ReadingTuran Dursun
Turkish scholar and author
Born
1934 92 years ago
Died
September 4th, 1990 35 years ago — 56 years old
A prominent Turkish scholar and author, contributed significantly to Islamic studies and critical thinking. Engaged in the analysis of religious texts and established a critical perspective on Islamic beliefs. Authored several influential books, promoting secularism and a rational approach to religion. Involved in various academic discussions and debates regarding the intersection of faith and reason.
Continue ReadingThomas Smythe
English diplomat and colonial administrator
Born
1558 468 years ago
Died
September 4th, 1625 400 years ago — 67 years old
Played a key role in the early 17th century as a diplomat and merchant. Served as the first Governor of the Virginia Company, which was established to promote settlement in North America. Oversaw the establishment of Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in America, in 1607. Actively participated in the promotion of trade and exploration during a transformative period in English history. Advocated for the interests of England in international relations, particularly with Spain and the Netherlands.
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