What Happened This Year 1939
People Who Died in 1939
Nadezhda Krupskaya
Born in 1861, a prominent figure in the Russian revolutionary movement and a close associate of Vladimir Lenin. Worked alongside Lenin to shape the Bolshevik Party's direction and was instrumental in planning the October Revolution of 1917. After the revolution, held various educational positions, advocating for educational reforms in early Soviet society and focusing on women's roles in education and social life. Contributed to the establishment of libraries and promoted literacy among the population.
Continue ReadingHarvey Cushing
A pioneering figure in neurosurgery, contributed significantly to the development of the field. Innovated surgical techniques and introduced the use of the term 'brain surgery.' Served as a professor of surgery at Johns Hopkins University and later at Yale University. Authored groundbreaking texts that established neurosurgery as a distinct specialty. Created the field of endocrinology through his research on the pituitary gland and its relation to various diseases.
Continue ReadingCharles Rudolph Walgreen
An American pharmacist and businessman, founded Walgreens in 1901 in Chicago, which became one of the largest pharmacy chains in the United States. Expanded the business model to focus on customer service and convenience. Introduced innovations in retail pharmacy, such as the pharmacy drive-thru. Oversaw the growth of Walgreens, which included the opening of its first store in Chicago and the establishment of the company's trademark for high-quality products.
Continue ReadingTom Hayward
An English cricketer played for Sussex and the England national team. Debuted in Test cricket in 1896, contributing significantly as a top-order batsman. Recorded a distinguished first-class career spanning over three decades, amassing more than 21,000 runs. Notably involved in the 1902 Ashes series, helping England secure the trophy against Australia. Also served as an influential cricket coach after retirement, guiding younger players in the sport.
Continue ReadingHendrik Wortman
A Dutch civil engineer and urban planner contributed significantly to infrastructure development. Engaged in various projects, Wortman worked on improving urban design and public transportation systems in cities. His expertise in civil engineering led to advancements in road construction and city planning that facilitated growth and modernization in urban areas during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Continue ReadingJoseph Grinnell
Contributed significantly to the field of zoology through extensive research on vertebrate animals. Developed the Grinnell Method, a standardized technique for collecting animal specimens. Served as the curator of the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology at the University of California, Berkeley. Published numerous scientific papers and played a key role in the early 20th century studies of California's natural history.
Continue ReadingEugene Foss
Served as the 45th Governor of Massachusetts from 1911 to 1912. Engaged in several business ventures before entering politics. Advocated for labor laws and unemployment insurance. Held multiple positions within the state government, contributing to various legislative efforts during tenure.
Continue ReadingWilliam Mitchell Ramsay
A prominent Scottish archaeologist and scholar, contributed significantly to the understanding of ancient Asia Minor, particularly in relation to the early Christian period. Conducted extensive excavations and research in Turkey, uncovering vital historical information. His fieldwork included sites such as Ephesus and other locations important to early Christianity. Authored various scholarly works that focused on the geography, history, and archaeology of the region.
Continue ReadingEdvard Westermarck
A philosopher and sociologist from Finland contributed significantly to the understanding of social phenomena. Focused on the study of marriage, morality, and the origins of social customs, published works include 'The History of Human Marriage' and 'Ethics'. His theories challenged existing views on morality by emphasizing the role of social context in shaping ethical norms. Westermarck's ideas influenced both sociology and anthropology, providing a framework for the study of kinship and social relations.
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