What Happened This Year 1955

People Who Died in 1955

Johannes de Jong

Dutch cardinal and ecclesiastical leader
Born
September 10th, 1885 139 years ago
Died
1955 70 years ago — 70 years old

Served as a cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church. Held significant roles within the church, including being appointed as the Archbishop of Utrecht. Played a crucial role in the Catholic Church in the Netherlands during challenging times, particularly during World War II and its aftermath. Engaged actively in church matters and contributed to ecclesiastical governance, shaping religious practices and policies in the region.

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Alan Fairfax

Australian cricketer and Test match player
Born
June 16th, 1906 118 years ago
Died
1955 70 years ago — 49 years old

Debuted in first-class cricket in 1925, representing New South Wales. Played as a batsman in 20 Test matches for Australia from 1928 to 1936. Participated in the 1932-33 Ashes series against England, contributing to several key victories. In domestic cricket, garnered attention for significant performance during the Sheffield Shield competition. After retiring from playing, took on roles in cricket administration and coaching.

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Lin Huiyin

Chinese architect and poet
Born
June 10th, 1904 120 years ago
Died
1955 70 years ago — 51 years old

An influential architect and poet in early 20th century China. Pioneered modern architectural practices and contributed to the design of various notable buildings. Played a crucial role in the preservation of traditional Chinese architecture. Additionally, wrote acclaimed poetry that reflects the cultural and social changes in China during her lifetime. Her works often explore themes of nature, love, and identity.

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Matthew Henson

Explorer of the Arctic regions
Born
August 8th, 1866 158 years ago
Died
1955 70 years ago — 89 years old

Contributed to Arctic exploration as a key figure in the 1908-1909 North Pole expedition with Robert Peary. Participated in multiple expeditions to the Arctic, developing skills in navigation and survival in extreme conditions. Documented journeys and interactions with the Inuit culture, bringing attention to their ways of life. After the successful arrival at the North Pole, faced a long struggle for recognition in the predominantly white-dominated field of exploration.

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Hermann Weyl

Mathematician known for Weyl's theorem
Born
November 9th, 1885 139 years ago
Died
1955 70 years ago — 70 years old

Born in 1885, contributed significantly to mathematics, physics, and philosophy. Developed Weyl's theorem in algebraic topology, linking analysis and geometry. Explored representation theory and its applications in physics, particularly in quantum mechanics, contributing to the understanding of particle physics. Authored seminal works on the foundations of mathematics and theoretical physics, influencing future generations of scientists and mathematicians.

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Tommy Burns

Boxer and promoter, Heavyweight Champion
Born
June 17th, 1881 143 years ago
Died
1955 70 years ago — 74 years old

A prominent boxer and promoter, achieved recognition in the early 20th century. Held the World Heavyweight Championship title from 1906 to 1908. Competed against notable opponents including Jack Johnson and acknowledged for his strong boxing skills and swift footwork. Transitioned to a promotional role after retiring from boxing, contributing to the sport's development.

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Ira Hayes

U.S. Marine and Iwo Jima flag raiser
Born
January 12th, 1923 102 years ago
Died
1955 70 years ago — 32 years old

Served as a U.S. Marine during World War II, participating in the Battle of Iwo Jima. On February 19, 1945, raised the American flag atop Mount Suribachi, an iconic moment captured in the photograph by Joe Rosenthal. This event symbolized the determination and courage of the U.S. forces. Hayes became one of the most recognized figures associated with this pivotal battle and participated in subsequent war bond tours to promote fundraising efforts for the military. Hayes faced personal challenges after the war, including struggles with fame and the effects of combat experience.

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Anna Murray Vail

American botanist and librarian
Born
January 7th, 1863 162 years ago
Died
1955 70 years ago — 92 years old

Vail contributed significantly to botany and education in the United States. She served as the first librarian of the New York Botanical Garden, where she developed and organized the library's resources to support scientific research and education. Vail also engaged in plant classification and contributed to the understanding of native flora. Her efforts helped to establish the garden as a leading center for botanical studies.

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Marion Bauer

American composer and music critic
Born
August 15th, 1882 142 years ago
Died
1955 70 years ago — 73 years old

Born in 1882, this individual significantly contributed to American music as both a composer and critic. Active during the early 20th century, compositions often drew from traditional folk melodies and themes. She served as a music critic for various publications, articulating developments in the musical landscape. In addition to writing, taught composition at universities, including the University of New Mexico. Her music was performed by notable ensembles including the New York Philharmonic.

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