What Happened This Year 1950

People Who Died in 1950

Rafael Sabatini

Novelist and short story writer
Born
April 29th, 1875 150 years ago
Died
February 13th, 1950 75 years ago — 74 years old

Born in Italy and later becoming a British citizen, this writer specialized in historical novels. The body of work includes tales primarily set in the age of piracy and the Renaissance. Many works received acclaim for their engaging narratives and well-drawn characters. The writer's stories often feature swashbuckling adventures and themes of romanticism, establishing a unique voice in the literary world. 'Captain Blood' and 'Scaramouche' remain among the most recognized titles that showcase storytelling prowess and vivid historical settings.

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Karl Guthe Jansky

Physicist and engineer in radio astronomy
Born
October 22nd, 1904 120 years ago
Died
February 14th, 1950 75 years ago — 45 years old

Contributions to the field of radio astronomy primarily led to the discovery of cosmic radio waves. Work involved the development of the first radio telescope, which detected radio emissions from the Milky Way. Research helped lay the foundation for modern astrophysics and contributed to the understanding of astronomical phenomena. Involved in experiments that sought to identify sources of radio frequency interference.

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George Minot

Physician, Nobel Prize laureate
Born
December 2nd, 1885 139 years ago
Died
February 25th, 1950 75 years ago — 64 years old

A prominent American physician and academic. Conducted groundbreaking research on anemia, particularly related to liver extracts. Shared the 1934 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for discoveries concerning the treatment of pernicious anemia. Served as professor at Harvard Medical School and made significant contributions to medical education. Influenced future research directions in hematology and nutrition.

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Harry Lauder

Scottish comedian and singer
Born
August 4th, 1870 154 years ago
Died
February 26th, 1950 75 years ago — 79 years old

Originated from Scotland, a celebrated comedian and singer who gained significant popularity in the early 20th century. Became known for performing in music halls and theaters, achieving acclaim for his songs and comedic timing. Lauder entertained troops during World War I and became a prominent figure in British entertainment. His style blended humor with music, leading to a successful career as a recording artist and stage performer.

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Edgar Lee Masters

Poet and author of 'Spoon River Anthology'
Born
August 23rd, 1868 156 years ago
Died
March 5th, 1950 75 years ago — 81 years old

A significant figure in American literature, this poet and playwright authored the renowned work 'Spoon River Anthology', a groundbreaking collection of free verse poems that presented a vivid portrait of small-town life through the voices of its residents. The compilation, published in 1915, gained substantial acclaim and is considered a classic of American poetry. In addition to poetry, this individual wrote several other works, including novels and plays, exploring themes of life, death, and human experience. The legacy includes lasting influence on modernist poetry and contributions to literary realism.

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Roman Shukhevych

Ukrainian general and politician
Born
June 30th, 1907 117 years ago
Died
March 5th, 1950 75 years ago — 42 years old

Served as a general in the Ukrainian Insurgent Army during World War II. Played a significant role in the struggle for Ukrainian independence. Involved with the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists, advocating for Ukrainian self-determination. Led military operations against both Soviet and Nazi forces in Ukraine.

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Albert François Lebrun

French President and Engineer
Born
August 29th, 1871 153 years ago
Died
March 6th, 1950 75 years ago — 78 years old

Served as the 15th President of France from 1932 to 1940. His tenure was marked by the political turbulence leading up to World War II. Before entering politics, contributed to engineering projects in France. Held significant responsibilities during the onset of the war and faced challenges related to the nation's defense and political stability.

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Norman Haworth

Chemist, Nobel Prize in Chemistry winner
Born
March 19th, 1883 142 years ago
Died
March 19th, 1950 75 years ago — 67 years old

An English chemist and academic contributed significantly to the study of carbohydrates. Extensive research on the structure and function of sugars and polysaccharides advanced the field of organic chemistry. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1937 for investigations of sugars and their derivatives. Served as a professor at the University of Birmingham, promoting research and education in chemistry. Authored numerous scientific papers and works that are foundational in carbohydrate chemistry.

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Edgar Rice Burroughs

Author of Tarzan series and Mars novels
Born
September 1st, 1875 149 years ago
Died
March 19th, 1950 75 years ago — 74 years old

An American author and former soldier, who gained recognition for creating the character Tarzan, which first appeared in the 1912 novel "Tarzan of the Apes." Burroughs also authored the Barsoom series, beginning with "A Princess of Mars" in 1912, contributing significantly to the science fiction and adventure genres. His works often featured elements of escapism and exotic settings, capturing the imagination of readers during the early 20th century. Burroughs' stories have been adapted into numerous films, comic books, and other media, influencing popular culture and establishing a legacy in literature that endured well beyond his lifetime.

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