What Happened This Year 1887

Born in 1887

William Kolehmainen

Runner and Olympic coach
Born
December 30th, 1887 138 years ago
Died
1967 59 years ago — 80 years old

Born in 1887, a Finnish-American long-distance runner and coach excelled in athletic competition during the early 20th century. Competed in the 1912 Summer Olympics, earning a bronze medal in the 5000 meters. After his athletic career, transitioned to coaching, influencing future generations of runners. Contributed to the development of distance running techniques in the United States, promoting the sport through various coaching positions and mentorship.

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Jack Russell

English cricketer and test wicketkeeper
Born
December 5th, 1960 65 years ago
Died
March 23rd, 1961 64 years ago — 0 years old

A prominent English cricketer, excelled as a wicketkeeper. Played for Gloucestershire and represented England in Test cricket from 1991 to 1996. Gained recognition for his exceptional skills behind the stumps and solid batting. Contributed to the team's success during a competitive era in cricket.

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Belgrave Edward Sutton Ninnis

Explorer and Lieutenant in Antarctica
Born
1887 139 years ago
Died
December 14th, 1912 113 years ago — 25 years old

Served as a lieutenant and explorer during the early 20th century. Participated in the British Antarctic Expedition from 1907 to 1909, which explored the uncharted regions of Antarctica. Ninnis was a member of the team that collected important scientific data and mapped the area. Contributions included surveying land and documenting geological features. Tragically, died in 1912 during an Antarctic expedition, leaving a legacy in the field of exploration.

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Anna Hedvig Büll

Estonian-German missionary work
Born
1887 139 years ago
Died
October 3rd, 1981 44 years ago — 94 years old

Born in Estonia, Büll dedicated life to missionary work in various regions, focusing on evangelism and education. Büll participated in establishing churches and training local leaders in her mission fields. Throughout her career, Büll contributed to the spiritual and educational development of communities. Büll's work spanned multiple countries, and her legacy continued to influence missionary efforts even after her passing in 1981.

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Igor Severyanin

Poet and author of the Silver Age
Born
1887 139 years ago
Died
December 20th, 1941 84 years ago — 54 years old

An influential poet and writer during the Silver Age of Russian poetry. Contributed to the development of Russian Symbolism and is recognized for lyrical and emotive verse. Published several collections of poetry that showcased innovative styles and themes, gaining significant attention in literary circles. Moved between Russia and Estonia, reflecting the cultural and political complexities of his time. His works often explored concepts of love, beauty, and existential reflections.

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L. S. Lowry

English painter with industrial scenes
Born
1887 139 years ago
Died
February 23rd, 1976 49 years ago — 89 years old

An English painter focused on depicting industrial landscapes, urban scenes, and working-class life in the 20th century. Best recognized for works featuring matchstick men set against the backdrop of factories and mills. This style uniquely captured the essence of industrial towns in England, particularly in Lancashire. In a career spanning more than five decades, produced thousands of paintings and drawings. Gained considerable acclaim and continues to be a significant figure in British art history.

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Ruth Benedict

Anthropologist and cultural theorist
Born
1887 139 years ago
Died
September 17th, 1948 77 years ago — 61 years old

Benedict studied cultures and their patterns, emphasizing the role of culture in shaping human behavior. She contributed significantly to the field of anthropology with her work on the concept of culture as a personality. Her most notable works include 'Patterns of Culture,' which compares three distinct cultures: the Zuni, the Dobu, and the Kwakiutl. Benedict's theories influenced cultural anthropology by arguing against biological determinism. She held a position at Columbia University, where she taught and mentored many students, furthering academic exploration in anthropology.

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Kurt Atterberg

Composer known for symphonies and operas
Born
1887 139 years ago
Died
February 15th, 1974 51 years ago — 87 years old

A Swedish composer and engineer, contributions to classical music include symphonies, concertos, and operas. Atterberg's work in the early 20th century aligned with the Swedish national romantic movement, emphasizing folk elements in orchestral and vocal compositions. Notable pieces include the 'Symphony No. 7' and the opera 'Valdemar'. He also held significant positions in musical organizations in Sweden, fostering the country's music scene. Throughout his career, Atterberg's works garnered national and international attention, characterized by a synthesis of lyrical melody and robust orchestration.

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Anthony van Hoboken

Dutch-Swiss musicologist and author
Born
1887 139 years ago
Died
November 1st, 1983 42 years ago — 96 years old

A prominent musicologist and author, this individual significantly contributed to the field of music research. Focused on cataloging and analyzing the works of various composers, produced the comprehensive 'Hoboken Catalog', an essential resource for music scholars. Engaged in education and lectured widely on music theory and history, influencing generational musicians and researchers.

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