What Happened This Year 1959

People Who Died in 1959

Ki Hajar Dewantara

Indonesian education reformer and politician
Born
May 2nd, 1889 135 years ago
Died
1959 66 years ago — 70 years old

An influential figure in Indonesian education, played a crucial role in the development of the national education system. Founded the Taman Siswa school system in 1922, which promoted cultural independence and national pride. Advocated for educational reforms during the Dutch colonial period, emphasizing the importance of education in fostering national identity. Involved in the movement for Indonesian independence and served as the first Minister of Education, Teaching, and Culture in the post-independence government.

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Adolf Otto Reinhold Windaus

German chemist and Nobel Prize winner
Born
December 25th, 1876 148 years ago
Died
1959 66 years ago — 83 years old

A chemist and academic, contributions focused on sterols and vitamins. Windaus developed methods for determining structures of several steroids, significantly advancing the field of organic chemistry. Research on cholesterol led to insights in biochemistry, influencing studies related to human health. In 1928, awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for investigations of steroid compounds.

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Frances Gertrude McGill

Forensic pathologist, forensic pioneer
Born
November 18th, 1882 142 years ago
Died
1959 66 years ago — 77 years old

A pioneering forensic pathologist in Canada, significant contributions were made to the field of forensic medicine. Education was pursued at the University of Western Ontario, where a medical degree was obtained in 1911. McGill became the first female forensic pathologist in Canada and served as the provincial pathologist for Saskatchewan. Advanced techniques in forensic investigations, particularly regarding the analysis of murder cases and suspicious deaths, were developed and implemented. In addition to work in pathology, McGill was an advocate for women's rights in medicine and contributed to various medical organizations.

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Alexander Rummler

American painter with notable landscapes
Born
July 25th, 1867 157 years ago
Died
1959 66 years ago — 92 years old

An American painter active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, focused primarily on landscapes. Participated in various exhibitions, showcasing works that captured rural and natural scenes. Developed a distinctive style that combined impressionistic techniques with a keen observation of light and color. His contributions to the art community in the United States helped define landscape painting during this period.

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István Medgyaszay

Hungarian architect and academic
Born
August 23rd, 1877 147 years ago
Died
1959 66 years ago — 82 years old

Graduated from the Budapest University of Technology and Economics. Contributed to the Hungarian architectural scene in the early 20th century. Played a significant role in the promotion of the Hungarian national style in architecture. Wrote multiple publications on architecture and design, influencing subsequent generations of architects. Served as a professor at the Technical University of Budapest, shaping the curriculum and fostering a new wave of architectural thought.

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Rosa Lemberg

Choral conductor and teacher
Born
August 31st, 1875 149 years ago
Died
1959 66 years ago — 84 years old

Born in Namibia and later relocating to the United States, this individual made significant contributions to music education and choral conducting. After establishing a career in Finland, she settled in America, where participation in various cultural and educational initiatives helped to promote choral music. As a teacher, she influenced numerous students in her community, fostering a love for music and performance. Many of her choirs performed throughout the region, showcasing classical and contemporary works.

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Klawdziy Duzh-Dushewski

Architect and creator of the Flag of Belarus
Born
March 27th, 1891 133 years ago
Died
1959 66 years ago — 68 years old

A Belarusian-Lithuanian architect, journalist, and diplomat, contributed significantly to national identity through architecture and design. Designed the Flag of Belarus, symbolizing the aspirations of the Belarusian people. Held various diplomatic positions, promoting Lithuanian and Belarusian interests in international forums. Engaged in journalism, providing insight into the socio-political landscape of Eastern Europe during the early 20th century.

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Claude Grahame-White

English pilot and aviation pioneer
Born
August 21st, 1879 145 years ago
Died
1959 66 years ago — 80 years old

An aviation pioneer and engineer, contributions to early flight technology included designing and building pioneering aircraft. Played a key role in the promotion of aviation during the early 20th century. Achievements included participating in the first aircraft flight across the English Channel. Founded the first aviation company in Britain and established the first British flying school.

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Winifred Brunton

Painter and illustrator of South Africa
Born
May 6th, 1880 144 years ago
Died
1959 66 years ago — 79 years old

Born in England, an artist relocated to South Africa where significant contributions to the art scene occurred. Specialized in painting and illustration, focused on vibrant depictions of South African landscapes and indigenous life. Her body of work reflected the cultural richness of her adopted home.

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