1939 1941

What Happened This Year 1940

All Events 159 Births 580 Deaths 158

People Who Died in 1940

John Matthew Moore

American politician, Governor of Virginia

Born

November 18th, 1862 163 years ago

Died

1940 86 years ago — 78 years old

Elected as the 49th Governor of Virginia, served from 1926 to 1930. Focused on various reforms during tenure. Played a significant role in the development of Virginia's infrastructure and educational system. Was involved in the Democratic Party's organization within the state.

Phoebus Levene

Biochemist known for nucleic acids research

Born

February 25th, 1869 157 years ago

Died

1940 86 years ago — 71 years old

A Russian-American biochemist and physician, focused on the structure of nucleic acids. Contributed to the understanding of DNA and RNA. Participated in the discovery of the nucleic acid structure, leading to significant advancements in genetics. Held various academic positions and published numerous scientific papers throughout the career.

Mathias Zdarsky

Ski pioneer, painter, and sculptor

Born

February 25th, 1856 170 years ago

Died

1940 86 years ago — 84 years old

Austrian skier, painter, and sculptor emerged as a significant figure in the early development of ski techniques and equipment. Initiated the concept of ski racing and contributed to the design of early ski bindings. In addition to skiing, pursued a career in the arts, focusing on painting and sculpture, achieving recognition in multiple disciplines. His endeavors in skiing set foundational patterns for the sport, while his artistic works reflected a dedication to creativity and craftsmanship throughout his life.

Harriot Stanton Blatch

Suffragist and women's rights organizer

Born

January 20th, 1856 170 years ago

Died

1940 86 years ago — 84 years old

Played a significant role in the women's suffrage movement in the United States. Established the Women's Political Union in 1909, which focused on mobilizing women to advocate for voting rights. Participated in various protests and demonstrations, including the 1913 Woman Suffrage Procession in Washington, D.C. Collaborated with other activists and organizations, promoting education and political engagement among women.

Vítězslava Kaprálová

Czech composer and conductor

Born

January 24th, 1915 111 years ago

Died

1940 86 years ago — 25 years old

A prominent composer and conductor emerged from Czechoslovakia. Studied at the Prague Conservatory and had works performed by reputable orchestras. Conducted orchestras, including the Czech Philharmonic. Contributed to classical music, with compositions that spanned various genres, including symphonic and choral works. Received recognition for innovative compositions during a period marked by the influence of Czech folk music.