What Happened This Year 1904

Born in 1904

A.K. Golam Jilani

Bangladeshi soldier and activist
Born
October 24th, 1904 120 years ago
Died
February 9th, 1932 93 years ago — 27 years old

Served as a soldier in the British Indian Army and later became an activist advocating for the rights of Bangladeshis. Engaged in various movements focused on national identity and independence. Contributed significantly to the liberation efforts during the early 20th century.

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Cemal Reşit Rey

Turkish pianist and composer
Born
October 25th, 1904 120 years ago
Died
October 7th, 1985 39 years ago — 80 years old

Completed music education in Istanbul and Paris, contributing significantly to Turkish classical music. Worked as a pianist, composer, and conductor, incorporating Turkish folk elements into compositions. Served as a professor at the Istanbul Conservatory and played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Turkish Music Ensemble. Composed several notable works, including symphonic music, chamber music, and songs, which reflect both Western and Turkish musical traditions.

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Denny Shute

Professional Golfer, 3-time Major Champion
Born
October 25th, 1904 120 years ago
Died
1974 51 years ago — 70 years old

Born in 1904, a prominent American golfer achieved significant success in the sport during the mid-20th century. Shute won three major championships, including the PGA Championship in 1936 and 1937, as well as the Open Championship in 1933. His playing style and skill earned him respect among peers and fans alike. Throughout the years, Shute participated in numerous tournaments, showcasing consistent performance on the course. He passed away in 1990, leaving a legacy in American golf history.

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Laura LaPlante

Silent Film Actress in 'The Cat and the Fiddle'
Born
November 1st, 1904 120 years ago
Died
1996 29 years ago — 92 years old

An American silent film actress gained recognition through the 1920s and early 1930s. LaPlante starred in numerous silent films and transitioned to talkies, showcasing her talent in both mediums. She achieved success with leads in major productions, particularly in the film 'The Cat and the Fiddle', where her performance resonated with audiences. LaPlante's career included working with prominent directors and alongside notable actors of the time, solidifying her position in film history until her retirement in the mid-1930s.

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Tadeusz Żyliński

Polish engineer and academic
Born
November 4th, 1904 120 years ago
Died
September 11th, 1967 57 years ago — 62 years old

Contributions to engineering and technology featured significant advancements in telecommunications and electric engineering. Served as a professor at the Warsaw University of Technology, influencing the next generation of engineers. Published numerous research papers and supervised various thesis projects, contributing to educational development in Poland. During his career, he engaged in various research initiatives that enhanced engineering practices in telecommunications.

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Cooney Weiland

Ice hockey player and coach, NHL
Born
November 5th, 1904 120 years ago
Died
1985 40 years ago — 81 years old

Born in 1904, a Canadian ice hockey player and coach. Competed in the NHL during the 1920s and 1930s. Played primarily as a left winger. Represented the New York Rangers, Detroit Red Wings, and the Chicago Black Hawks during his playing career. Transitioned to coaching after retirement, contributing to the development of future players.

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Heiti Talvik

Estonian poet and playwright
Born
November 9th, 1904 120 years ago
Died
1947 78 years ago — 43 years old

Born in Estonia, a significant figure in the country's literary scene during the 20th century. Contributed to poetry and drama, with a focus on themes relevant to Estonian culture and identity. Talvik's work was influenced by historical events, including the impact of World War II on Estonia. He actively participated in literary circles and was involved in efforts to preserve Estonian language and literature during difficult periods. His poetry collections and plays often reflected a deep connection to Estonian nature and folklore, making them a crucial part of the country's literary heritage.

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Alger Hiss

American lawyer and espionage figure
Born
November 11th, 1904 120 years ago
Died
November 15th, 1996 28 years ago — 92 years old

Worked as a lawyer and served in prominent positions within the U.S. government during the New Deal era. Involved with the State Department and participated in the founding of the United Nations. Convicted of perjury related to espionage charges during the Cold War, specifically for allegedly passing classified documents to the Soviet Union. The case gained significant attention and became a symbol of the Red Scare and the fear of communism in America.

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J. H. C. Whitehead

Mathematician known for algebraic topology
Born
November 11th, 1904 120 years ago
Died
May 8th, 1960 64 years ago — 55 years old

This British mathematician made significant contributions to algebraic topology and homotopy theory. Whitehead held academic positions at various institutions, including the University of Cambridge. His work involved the study of algebraic structures in topology, particularly through the development of the Whitehead product and the concepts of higher homotopy groups. He also contributed to the study of CW complexes and used his expertise to promote mathematical education and research. Whitehead's influence extended through his publications, which have been widely cited in the mathematical community.

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