What Happened This Year 1931

People Who Died in 1931

Emanuele Filiberto

Duke of Aosta and Italian general
Born
January 13th, 1869 156 years ago
Died
1931 94 years ago — 62 years old

Born in 1869, held the title of Duke of Aosta and served as a general in the Italian Army during World War I. His military career involved command roles and participation in significant battles. Post-war, focused on the promotion of Italian military culture and heritage. Died in 1934, leaving a legacy tied to both nobility and military service.

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Oskar Minkowski

Biologist and Academic in Diabetes Research
Born
January 13th, 1858 167 years ago
Died
1931 94 years ago — 73 years old

Contributions to the understanding of diabetes emerged through research focused on the pancreas. Conducted experiments that led to the discovery of the role of the pancreas in the regulation of blood sugar levels. Collaborated with prominent scientists of the time and published findings that advanced the field of endocrinology. Also held academic positions where teaching and mentoring of students in biological sciences were priorities.

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Henrietta Edwards

Canadian activist and author
Born
December 18th, 1849 175 years ago
Died
1931 94 years ago — 82 years old

An activist and author, contributed significantly to the women's rights movement in Canada. Co-founded the National Council of Women of Canada in 1893 and served as its first president. Played a crucial role in advocating for legal rights for women and was involved in several initiatives aimed at improving women's status in society. Authored various works, including a biography of one of Canada’s early feminist figures. Focused on issues such as suffrage, property rights, and labor conditions for women.

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Cosmo Duff-Gordon

Scottish fencer, Olympic medalist
Born
July 22nd, 1862 162 years ago
Died
1931 94 years ago — 69 years old

Born in 1862, a prominent Scottish fencer achieved notable success in the sport. Competed at the 1908 London Olympics, securing a gold medal in the men's team foil event. A member of the Edinburgh fencing club, he contributed to the sport's development in Scotland and the broader United Kingdom. Actively participated in national championships and various international competitions, earning recognition as one of the leading fencers of his time.

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Theo van Doesburg

Dutch artist and De Stijl founder
Born
August 30th, 1883 141 years ago
Died
1931 94 years ago — 48 years old

This individual was a pioneering Dutch artist and architectural designer, significantly contributing to the De Stijl movement alongside Piet Mondrian. Active in the early 20th century, the individual explored abstraction and geometric form, emphasizing the use of primary colors. As a founder of De Stijl, he promoted a new aesthetic that influenced various fields, including architecture, painting, and typography. The individual also engaged in design and wrote extensively about art and philosophy, further pioneering ideas that bridged visual art with modernism. The involvement with various publications and exhibitions helped spread the principles of the movement across Europe.

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Ernie McLea

Canadian ice hockey player
Born
February 5th, 1876 149 years ago
Died
1931 94 years ago — 55 years old

Played professional ice hockey during the early 20th century. Competed in the National Hockey Association and the National Hockey League. Contributed to the development of ice hockey in Canada. Participated in various championships and was an integral player for several teams.

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Milan Šufflay

Croatian historian and politician
Born
November 9th, 1879 145 years ago
Died
1931 94 years ago — 52 years old

Contributed to Croatian historiography and politics during the early 20th century. Focused on the history and cultural development of Croatia, emphasizing the importance of national identity. Served as a member of the Croatian Parliament. Expressed strong views against annexation and promoted Croatian autonomy within the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Worked on various historical writings that highlighted the role of Croatia in the broader context of European history.

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Thomas Edison

Engineer and inventor of the light bulb
Born
February 11th, 1847 178 years ago
Died
1931 94 years ago — 84 years old

An American engineer and businessman, created the practical incandescent light bulb and the phonograph. Founded General Electric, one of the largest and most diversified industrial corporations in the world. Contributed to the development of various technologies including the motion picture camera and an early version of the alkaline battery. Held over 1,000 patents in the U.S. for his inventions, demonstrating a significant contribution to the electrical and technological landscape.

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Legs Diamond

American gangster during Prohibition era
Born
July 10th, 1897 127 years ago
Died
1931 94 years ago — 34 years old

A prominent gangster during the Prohibition era, engaged in bootlegging and organized crime activities in New York City. Associated with the Irish-American criminal underworld, became a rival of other gangsters and was involved in various violent confrontations. Established a reputation for his flamboyant style and resilience against assassination attempts. Operated various illegal enterprises, including the distribution of alcohol and gambling establishments. Murdered in 1931, becoming a figure of notoriety in the history of American organized crime.

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