What Happened This Year 1744

Born in 1744

Alexander Samoylov

Russian general and Minister of Justice
Born
1744 281 years ago
Died
November 1st, 1814 210 years ago — 70 years old

Served as a general in the Russian military and held the position of Minister of Justice. Participated in various military campaigns and contributed to the development of legal reforms during tenure in government. Focused on justice system improvements and policy implementation. Instrumental in advancing administrative practices within the military and political structure of Russia.

Continue Reading

James McGill

Businessman and philanthropist, founded McGill University
Born
1744 281 years ago
Died
December 19th, 1813 211 years ago — 69 years old

A Scottish-Canadian businessman and philanthropist played a crucial role in the establishment of McGill University in Montreal, Quebec. McGill received his education in Scotland before emigrating to Canada in the 1760s. In 1811, a significant donation was made to create an institution of higher learning, leading to the founding of the university, which was named in his honor. McGill also engaged in various business ventures, including fur trading and land development, contributing to the economic growth of the region during that period.

Continue Reading

Eise Eisinga

Astronomer who built Eisinga Planetarium
Born
1744 281 years ago
Died
August 27th, 1828 197 years ago — 84 years old

An astronomer and academic, focused on celestial mechanics and planetary orbits. Constructed the Eisinga Planetarium in Franeker, the oldest working planetarium in the world, which was completed in 1781. The planetarium features a model of the solar system, demonstrating the planetary orbits and movements in a clockwork mechanism. Eisinga's work contributed significantly to popularizing astronomy in the Netherlands during the 18th century, providing educational opportunities for the public.

Continue Reading