What Happened This Year 1926

Born in 1926

James B. Vaught

American General and military leader
Born
1926 99 years ago
Died
September 20th, 2013 11 years ago — 87 years old

Graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1950. Served in various capacities during the Vietnam War, including positions involving air mobility and logistics. Advocated for the implementation of the helicopter in combat operations, contributing to changes in military strategy. Held command positions throughout his career, culminating in leadership roles that influenced helicopter operations. Retired as a Major General with extensive service across multiple theaters.

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Jaba Ioseliani

Georgian playwright and politician
Born
1926 99 years ago
Died
March 4th, 2003 22 years ago — 77 years old

Contributed significantly to Georgian theater as a playwright and a political figure. Wrote several prominent plays that explored social and political themes, often reflecting the cultural landscape of Georgia. Served as a member of the Georgian Parliament, engaging in political discourse regarding the nation's identity and independence. In academic circles, focused on theater studies and the development of Georgian arts. Pursued a career intertwined with both artistic and political ambitions, greatly influencing the cultural scene.

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Arthur Jones

Businessman, founded Nautilus, Inc.
Born
1926 99 years ago
Died
August 28th, 2007 17 years ago — 81 years old

Founded Nautilus, Inc. and MedX Corporation, significantly influencing the fitness industry. Developed the Nautilus exercise machines that introduced variable resistance technology, which transformed strength training methodologies. Established MedX Corporation to advance rehabilitation equipment and research. Invented numerous exercise machines designed for specific muscle groups, promoting safe and effective workouts. Authored several articles and publications on fitness and training concepts.

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Klaas Runia

Dutch theologian and journalist
Born
1926 99 years ago
Died
October 14th, 2006 18 years ago — 80 years old

A theologian with significant contributions to reformed theology and a journalist providing insights on religious matters. Worked extensively within the Dutch Reformed Church and published numerous articles and books that explored theological concepts and contemporary issues. Engaged in discussions about faith, culture, and ethics, influencing both academic and lay audiences throughout his career.

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Lee S. Dreyfus

Governor of Wisconsin
Born
1926 99 years ago
Died
January 2nd, 2008 17 years ago — 82 years old

Served as the 39th Governor of Wisconsin from 1979 to 1983. Elected as a Republican, implemented various reforms during tenure. Prior to his governorship, held roles in academia and was a well-regarded educator. Helped promote higher education initiatives in Wisconsin. Dreyfus also ran for U.S. Senate in 1982 but was unsuccessful.

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Mildred Fay Jefferson

Physician and abortion rights activist
Born
1926 99 years ago
Died
October 15th, 2010 14 years ago — 84 years old

A pioneer in the medical field, contributed significantly to the anti-abortion movement and served as the first African American woman to graduate from Harvard Medical School. During her career, held various leadership roles within the National Right to Life Committee and advocated for pro-life legislation. Worked as a surgeon, focusing on the practice in Boston and participating in hospital committees. Advocated for women’s health issues and actively involved in educational efforts regarding abortion and its implications.

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Peter Henderson

Rugby player, All Blacks member
Born
1926 99 years ago
Died
November 24th, 2014 10 years ago — 88 years old

Played rugby union for New Zealand from 1980 to 1986. Represented the All Blacks, New Zealand's national team, during his career. Participated in the 1987 Rugby World Cup, contributing to the team's success in winning the inaugural tournament. Upon retirement from professional rugby, made contributions to sports administration.

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David Levine

American artist, illustrator, caricaturist
Born
1926 99 years ago
Died
December 29th, 2009 15 years ago — 83 years old

An American artist and illustrator, achieved recognition for caricatures published in The New York Review of Books. Engaged with political and cultural themes, and contributed to the dialogue on contemporary issues through art. Created distinctive portraits that combined humor with sharp social commentary, illustrating leading figures from various fields including politics, literature, and science. Worked prolifically throughout a decades-long career, gaining acclaim for both artistic skill and insightful representations.

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Janina Bauman

Polish journalist and author of memoirs
Born
1926 99 years ago
Died
December 29th, 2009 15 years ago — 83 years old

A Polish journalist and writer, contributed to literature through memoirs reflecting personal and historical experiences. Engaged with themes of identity, war, and survival, stemming from life experiences in Nazi-occupied Poland. Wrote 'A Dream of Roses' and 'The Lost World', providing a fluid narrative of her struggles during and after World War II. Worked as an editor and contributed articles to multiple publications, impacting both journalism and literature in Poland.

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