What Happened This Year 1887

Born in 1887

William Kolehmainen

Runner and Olympic coach
Born
December 30th, 1887 137 years ago
Died
1967 58 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 64 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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Kurt Atterberg

Composer known for symphonies and operas
Born
1887 138 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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Fanya Baron

Lithuanian Jewish anarchist activist
Born
1887 138 years ago
Died
September 30th, 1921 103 years ago — 34 years old

Active in the early 20th century, this individual was a prominent figure in the anarchist movement in Eastern Europe. Engaged in organizing workers and advocating for revolutionary socialism, this individual contributed to the establishment of a Jewish anarchist culture. Following the Russian Revolution, this individual worked to promote democratic ideals and labor rights while opposing authoritarianism. Subsequently, this individual faced persecution due to political beliefs and was active in expatriate communities. Eventually, this individual's activism was cut short by untimely death.

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Gottlieb Hering

German military captain during WWII
Born
1887 138 years ago
Died
October 9th, 1945 79 years ago — 58 years old

Served as a captain in the German military forces during World War II. Participated in various military engagements throughout the conflict. After the war, involvement in post-war activities followed until death in 1945.

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Bruce Bairnsfather

British cartoonist and humorist
Born
1887 138 years ago
Died
September 29th, 1959 65 years ago — 72 years old

A prominent British humorist and cartoonist, produced works during World War I that captured the experiences of soldiers. Created the popular character 'Old Bill', a soldier who represented the average British man. Bairnsfather's cartoons appeared in numerous publications and provided a humorous perspective on the hardships of war. His art resonated with many, providing comfort and laughter during difficult times.

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Felix Yusupov

Russian noble and assassin of Rasputin
Born
1887 138 years ago
Died
September 27th, 1967 57 years ago — 80 years old

A prominent Russian aristocrat and member of the Yusupov family. Married to Princess Irina Alexandrovna of Russia. Gained notoriety for the assassination of Grigori Rasputin in December 1916, a controversial figure in the last years of the Russian Empire. Post-revolution, fled to Europe, where he chronicled the events leading to the fall of the Russian monarchy in his memoirs. Spent much of his later life in France, engaging with the expatriate community and maintaining ties to Russian royalist movements. Died in 1967 in Paris.

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Şükrü Saracoğlu

Turkish politician, 6th Prime Minister
Born
1887 138 years ago
Died
December 27th, 1953 71 years ago — 66 years old

A military officer and politician served as the 6th Prime Minister of Turkey from 1942 to 1946. Pursued educational reforms and aimed to modernize the Turkish education system. Focused on economic policies during a challenging post-World War II period. Held various governmental positions prior to premiership, including Minister of National Education. Contributed to the establishment of multi-party democracy in Turkey.

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Edward J. Adams

American serial killer and bank robber
Born
1887 138 years ago
Died
November 22nd, 1921 103 years ago — 34 years old

Involved in a series of violent crimes during the early 20th century, this individual operated primarily in the United States. Notoriety rose from a pattern of bank robberies that escalated into a spree of murders. Captured, tried, and convicted for multiple killings, the actions raised public awareness regarding crime and safety. Executed in 1921, the case remains significant in discussions about criminal psychology and law enforcement.

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