What Happened This Year 1891

Born in 1891

John William McCormack

American politician, 53rd House Speaker
Born
December 21st, 1891 133 years ago
Died
1980 45 years ago — 89 years old

Served as a lawyer and politician, representing Massachusetts in the United States House of Representatives. Held the position of Speaker of the House from 1962 to 1971. During tenure, advocated for civil rights and various social welfare programs. Played a significant role in the legislative processes of the Johnson administration, particularly with the Great Society initiatives.

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Feodor Stepanovich Rojankovsky

Illustrator and painter of children's books
Born
December 24th, 1891 133 years ago
Died
October 12th, 1970 54 years ago — 78 years old

Born in Russia in 1891, this illustrator and painter specialized in children's book illustrations and is recognized for the enchanting quality of his artwork. Migrating to the United States in the 1920s, he contributed to various children's magazines and publications. His illustrations often featured whimsical and fantastical elements, appealing to young readers. Notably, the works included illustrations for renowned publishers such as Rand McNally and Holt, Rinehart and Winston. Over his career, he created visual representations for classic children's stories that have endured over the decades.

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Kenneth Anderson

English Soldier and Gibraltar Governor
Born
December 25th, 1891 133 years ago
Died
April 29th, 1959 66 years ago — 67 years old

Served as a soldier in the British Army and held the position of Governor of Gibraltar. Led military operations during World War II, particularly in the Mediterranean region. Managed key administrative responsibilities in Gibraltar, overseeing its strategic military importance during the war period. Contributed to the island's defense and governance during a time of conflict, ensuring stability and security.

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Clarrie Grimmett

Cricketer and leg-spin bowler
Born
December 25th, 1891 133 years ago
Died
May 2nd, 1980 45 years ago — 88 years old

One of the leading leg-spin bowlers of his time, played international cricket for Australia after initially debuting for New Zealand. Established a reputation for exceptional skill and accuracy. Made a significant mark in Test cricket during the 1920s and 1930s, becoming a key player for Australia. Achieved remarkable figures in matches, particularly notable for his ability to take wickets consistently. Inducted into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame for outstanding contributions to the sport.

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Henry Miller

Author of Tropic of Cancer
Born
December 26th, 1891 133 years ago
Died
June 7th, 1980 45 years ago — 88 years old

Born in 1891, this American author and painter gained prominence through innovative literary works that blended autobiography and fiction. His book 'Tropic of Cancer,' published in 1934, was initially banned in the United States due to its controversial content but later became a celebrated classic. Miller's writing often explored themes of sexuality, freedom, and the artistic experience. Throughout his life, he also produced a significant body of visual art, contributing to the understanding of the interplay between writing and visual creativity.

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Mae Busch

Australian actress in silent films
Born
1891 134 years ago
Died
April 20th, 1946 79 years ago — 55 years old

Originating from Australia, a prominent actress emerged in the silent film era and transitioned into sound films. Starred in several successful productions, gaining recognition for roles in 'The Show of Shows' and 'The Last of Mrs. Cheyney'. Featured in comedy films and collaborated with renowned comedians of the time. Continued to act in films into the 1930s, showcasing versatility across genres until retirement from the screen.

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Leon Cadore

Baseball player and pitcher
Born
1891 134 years ago
Died
March 16th, 1958 67 years ago — 67 years old

Played as a pitcher in Major League Baseball from 1910 to 1920. Primarily associated with the Brooklyn Dodgers, Cadore had a significant role during his tenure. Achieved considerable success in 1914, where he won 19 games. The player set a record for consecutive complete games pitched in 1915, totaling 10. He remained a prominent figure in the team until his departure from MLB, contributing to the team's early history.

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Tim McCoy

Actor and military officer in Westerns
Born
1891 134 years ago
Died
January 29th, 1978 47 years ago — 87 years old

An American actor and military officer gained popularity in the early 20th century. McCoy starred in numerous Western films, becoming a prominent figure in the genre. His career spanned several decades, during which he also served in the United States Army during World War I. McCoy's background as a rodeo performer contributed to his authenticity in Western roles. He appeared in films like "The Man From Utah" and gained recognition for his portrayals of cowboys and frontier characters. Alongside his acting career, McCoy was an accomplished military officer, achieving the rank of colonel. His work in both fields highlighted a dual commitment to entertainment and military service.

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Leopold Vietoris

Austrian mathematician and soldier
Born
1891 134 years ago
Died
April 9th, 2002 23 years ago — 111 years old

Vietoris contributed significantly to the field of topology and was an influential academic in mathematics. His work in the 19th and 20th centuries laid foundations for many concepts in modern topology. As a soldier during World War II, Vietoris served in the Austrian military. He held positions at various universities, promoting mathematical education and research. His research included the development of the Vietoris-Rips complexes, a concept used in algebraic topology and data analysis.

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