What Happened This Year 1917

People Who Died in 1917

Frances Xavier Cabrini

Italian-American nun and saint
Born
July 15th, 1850 174 years ago
Died
December 22nd, 1917 107 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 132 years ago
Died
December 28th, 1917 107 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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Leone Sextus Tollemache

English Captain of the British Army
Born
June 10th, 1884 140 years ago
Died
1917 108 years ago — 33 years old

Served as a captain in the British Army. Participated in World War I, contributing to military operations on the Western Front. Demonstrated leadership skills and tactical knowledge during various engagements. Engaged in post-war activities related to veterans and military history.

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Zenas Ferry Moody

Surveyor and 7th Governor of Oregon
Born
May 27th, 1832 192 years ago
Died
1917 108 years ago — 85 years old

Born in 1832, a prominent surveyor and politician served as the 7th Governor of Oregon from 1878 to 1882. Contributed significantly to the development of the Oregon Territory. Played a crucial role in the establishment of multiple public institutions. Advocated for infrastructure improvements and economic development in Oregon during the late 19th century.

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Oswald Chambers

Scottish minister and author of My Utmost
Born
July 24th, 1874 150 years ago
Died
1917 108 years ago — 43 years old

A Scottish minister and author, contributed significantly to Christian literature with a focus on spirituality and faith. Best known for the devotional book 'My Utmost for His Highest', which remains popular among readers seeking spiritual guidance. Served as a military chaplain during World War I, where experiences shaped writing style and content. Established a training school for Bible teachers in Egypt, which emphasized the importance of rigorous theological education. His insights into personal devotion and the nature of a relationship with God continue to resonate with followers today.

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Ranavalona III

Queen of Madagascar, last monarch
Born
November 22nd, 1861 163 years ago
Died
1917 108 years ago — 56 years old

Ascended the throne of Madagascar in 1883 and served as the last reigning monarch until the French colonization in 1897. Faced the challenges of foreign influence and internal strife while maintaining the sovereignty of the kingdom. After the French annexation, was exiled to Réunion and later to Algiers, where she lived until her death in 1917.

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Hussein Kamel

Sultan of Egypt and Sudan
Born
November 21st, 1853 171 years ago
Died
1917 108 years ago — 64 years old

Ascended to the throne of Egypt in 1914 and ruled until 1917. During his reign, significant events included the political, social, and economic changes resulting from World War I. His leadership was marked by challenges including the British occupation and growing nationalist movements, which shaped the future of Egypt. The reign concluded with his abdication in favor of his nephew, Fuad I.

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Matthias Zurbriggen

Swiss mountaineer and explorer
Born
May 15th, 1856 168 years ago
Died
1917 108 years ago — 61 years old

A prominent mountaineer in the late 19th century, played a key role in the development of alpinism. Achieved the first ascent of the Aiguille Rouge in 1864 and the first ascent of the Matterhorn in 1865. Also participated in the first ascent of several peaks in the Andes, including the first ascent of Monte San Valentin in 1897. Contributed significantly to the exploration and climbing of remote areas, garnering recognition within the mountaineering community.

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Georg Karl Maria Seidlitz

German entomologist and academic
Born
June 19th, 1840 184 years ago
Died
1917 108 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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