What Happened This Year 1890

Born in 1890

Dadasaheb Torne

Indian director and producer
Born
April 13th, 1890 134 years ago
Died
1960 65 years ago — 70 years old

A pioneer in Indian cinema, directed the first full-length Indian feature film, Raja Harishchandra, in 1913. Also produced and directed numerous silent films, contributing significantly to the early development of the Indian film industry. Established the first Indian film studio, Maharashtra Film Company, which played a crucial role in film production during the silent film era.

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Frank Murphy

United States Attorney General
Born
April 13th, 1890 134 years ago
Died
1949 76 years ago — 59 years old

Born in 1890, served as the 56th United States Attorney General from 1939 to 1940. Held various legal positions including serving as the Mayor of Detroit and a justice on the Michigan Supreme Court. Appointed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, focused on civil rights and judicial reforms during tenure. Contributed to post-World War II efforts in Japan, participating in trial proceedings against war criminals. His approach emphasized fairness and justice in legal processes.

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Percy Shaw

Inventor of the cat's eye
Born
April 15th, 1890 134 years ago
Died
1976 49 years ago — 86 years old

An English businessman developed a reflective road safety device that improved visibility for drivers at night. The device, called the cat's eye, consisted of a pair of reflective lenses mounted in a rubber housing. This invention increased road safety and gained widespread adoption in the UK and beyond. Originally patented in the 1930s, the cat's eye significantly reduced accidents by enhancing lane visibility during low-light conditions. Shaw's company continued to produce cat's eyes for decades.

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Fred Root

English cricketer and cricket umpire
Born
April 16th, 1890 134 years ago
Died
January 20th, 1954 71 years ago — 63 years old

Root played for Northamptonshire from 1919 to 1939, contributing significantly to the team's success in county cricket. Transitioning to umpiring after his playing career, he became a first-class umpire from 1948 until his death. His expertise in the game was recognized during his tenure as an umpire, where he officiated in various important matches. Root's influence on the sport extended through both playing and officiating.

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Gertrude Chandler Warner

Author of The Boxcar Children series
Born
April 16th, 1890 134 years ago
Died
August 29th, 1979 45 years ago — 89 years old

An American author and educator achieved recognition primarily through the creation of a beloved children's book series. The Boxcar Children series, first published in 1924, follows the adventures of four orphaned siblings. The author's educational background influenced the writing, focusing on themes of resourcefulness and family values. In addition to the series, contributions to children's literature included her role as an educator. The enduring popularity of The Boxcar Children has led to numerous adaptations and continued readership over the decades.

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Maurice Duplessis

Canadian lawyer and politician
Born
April 20th, 1890 134 years ago
Died
September 7th, 1959 65 years ago — 69 years old

Served as the 16th Premier of Quebec from 1936 to 1939 and again from 1944 until his death in 1959. Played a key role in shaping the province's political landscape during the mid-20th century. Implemented policies that emphasized provincial autonomy and the rights of Quebec within Canada. His leadership style was marked by the balance of conservative values and economic development, responding to the challenges of the Great Depression and post-war recovery.

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Adolf Schärf

Austrian politician and President
Born
April 20th, 1890 134 years ago
Died
1965 60 years ago — 75 years old

Served as the 6th President of Austria from 1957 to 1965. Prior to his presidency, held various roles in public service including deputy mayor of Vienna and member of the Austrian Parliament. Participated in military service during World War I. Advocated for social democratic principles and worked on post-war reconstruction efforts in Austria.

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Clelia Lollini

Italian physician, women's health advocate
Born
May 1st, 1890 134 years ago

Graduated in Medicine and Surgery, completed medical studies at the University of Bologna. Specialized in obstetrics and gynecology, focusing on women's health issues. Contributed to advancements in the understanding of gynecological conditions and reproductive health. Worked in various medical institutions, promoting initiatives for women's healthcare and education. Participated in professional associations and fostered collaboration among peers to improve health services for women. Died in the early 1960s.

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E. E. Smith

Science fiction author and engineer
Born
May 2nd, 1890 134 years ago
Died
August 31st, 1965 59 years ago — 75 years old

An engineer and writer, crafted influential science fiction works primarily in the mid-20th century. His notable series included 'Lensman,' which set a foundation for space opera subgenre in literature. The intricate world-building and complex narratives in his novels garnered a dedicated following and inspired future writers in the genre. In addition to writing, contributions to engineering and technical fields were notable, illustrating a career bridging imagination and innovation.

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