What Happened This Year 1917

People Who Died in 1917

Frances Xavier Cabrini

Italian-American nun and saint
Born
July 15th, 1850 175 years ago
Died
December 22nd, 1917 108 years ago — 67 years old

Born in Italy and later naturalized in the United States, dedicated life to serving the Italian immigrant community. Founded the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus to provide education and aid in New York City. Established numerous schools, hospitals, and orphanages across the country and abroad. Canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church in 1946 and recognized as the first American citizen to be made a saint.

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Alfred Edwin McKay

Pilot and Canadian military captain
Born
December 27th, 1892 133 years ago
Died
December 28th, 1917 108 years ago — 25 years old

Served as a pilot in the Royal Canadian Air Force during World War I. Played a crucial role in various missions, showcasing skill and bravery in aerial combat. Achieved the rank of captain while demonstrating leadership in challenging situations. Contributed to the development of aviation tactics during the war. After the war, continued to be involved in civil aviation and fostered the growth of flying clubs in Canada.

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Georg Karl Maria Seidlitz

German entomologist and academic
Born
June 19th, 1840 186 years ago
Died
1917 109 years ago — 77 years old

An entomologist and academic specialized in beetles. Conducted extensive research on various insect species, particularly in the order Coleoptera. Contributed to taxonomic studies, discovering and describing numerous new species. Authored important works that influenced the field of entomology and educated future generations of scientists.

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Harry S. Barlow

British tennis player and Wimbledon participant
Born
April 5th, 1860 166 years ago
Died
1917 109 years ago — 57 years old

Competed in tennis during the late 19th century. Participated in several editions of Wimbledon, contributing to the sport's early competitive landscape. Gained recognition through performances at major tournaments.

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Wladimir Burliuk

Ukrainian painter and illustrator
Born
March 27th, 1886 140 years ago
Died
1917 109 years ago — 31 years old

Born in 1886, this painter and illustrator contributed significantly to the avant-garde movement in Ukraine. Active in the early 20th century, associations with fellow artists and involvement in the art community were pivotal in shaping contemporary art in the region. Formed part of artistic organizations that promoted modernist principles and innovative techniques. Explored various styles, including expressionism and futurism, which influenced later generations of artists. Played a crucial role in bridging European artistic trends with local Ukrainian culture, enhancing its visibility on the international stage.

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Arthur Matthew Weld Downing

Astronomer and astrophysicist
Born
April 13th, 1850 176 years ago
Died
1917 109 years ago — 67 years old

Contributed to the field of astronomy, particularly in the study of solar phenomena. Focused on solar eclipses and the nature of stellar atmospheres. Participated in several expeditions to observe solar eclipses, including the notable solar eclipse of 1871. Published works on the physical processes of stars and celestial bodies, influencing future research in astrophysics.

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Agnes Sime Baxter

Canadian mathematician and educator
Born
March 18th, 1870 156 years ago
Died
1917 109 years ago — 47 years old

Contributed to mathematics education and research, particularly in areas of algebra and geometry. Served as the first female faculty member at the University of Alberta. Actively promoted women's participation in higher education. Published various papers and texts that advanced the understanding of mathematical concepts in her field.

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Thomas Ashe

Irish Republican activist and hunger striker
Born
January 12th, 1885 141 years ago
Died
1917 109 years ago — 32 years old

Born in 1885, this individual was a significant figure in the Irish Republican movement. He participated in the 1916 Easter Rising and was imprisoned for his activities. During the War of Independence, he continued to advocate for Irish self-determination and was involved in organizing the anti-conscription movement. In 1917, he went on hunger strike while imprisoned, demanding political prisoner status. The hunger strike lasted over 30 days, leading to his death, which heightened public awareness and support for the Republican cause in Ireland.

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T. E. Hulme

English poet and literary critic
Born
September 16th, 1883 142 years ago
Died
1917 109 years ago — 34 years old

Contributed significantly to early 20th-century poetry and literary criticism. Played a central role in shaping modernist aesthetics. Published influential essays that examined the philosophical underpinnings of art and poetry. Worked with prominent literary figures and contributed to the development of Vorticism, a modernist movement in art and literature. His poetry reflects a complex engagement with imagery and form, leading to a lasting influence on subsequent generations of poets.

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