What Happened This Year 1968

People Who Died in 1968

Wilfrid Hamel

Canadian businessman and politician
Born
July 16th, 1895 129 years ago
Died
1968 57 years ago — 73 years old

A businessman and politician served as the 35th Mayor of Quebec City. Held the mayoral office during the mid-20th century. Contributed to local development and governance.

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Norman Brookes

Australian tennis player and champion
Born
November 14th, 1877 147 years ago
Died
1968 57 years ago — 91 years old

Competed in tennis during the early 20th century, achieving significant success in both singles and doubles events. Won the men's singles title at the Australian Open in 1911 and paired with partner Anthony Wilding to capture the men's doubles title at Wimbledon in 1914. The performance in these tournaments established a strong competitive legacy in Australian tennis.

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Little Walter Jacobs

Blues harp player with 'Juke'
Born
May 1st, 1930 95 years ago
Died
1968 57 years ago — 38 years old

An influential blues harp player and singer, contributed significantly to the Chicago blues scene. Developed a unique style that blended harmonica playing with vocal techniques, shaping the sound of electric blues. Achieved commercial success during the 1950s and 1960s with a string of hit songs. His work laid the foundation for future harp players and influenced countless musicians.

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Zofia Kossak-Szczucka

Polish writer and WWII Resistance member
Born
August 10th, 1889 135 years ago
Died
1968 57 years ago — 79 years old

A Polish writer actively involved in the World War II resistance movement against Nazi occupation. Authored several acclaimed novels and works focusing on Polish history and culture. Demonstrated commitment to preserving Polish heritage during the war. Also engaged in various efforts to assist Jewish individuals facing persecution during the Holocaust.

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Lawson Little

Professional golfer with major tournament wins
Born
June 23rd, 1910 114 years ago
Died
1968 57 years ago — 58 years old

Achieved success as a professional golfer during the mid-20th century. Won the 1940 US Amateur Championship and twice captured the prestigious British Amateur in 1934 and 1935. Played on the PGA Tour and was a key figure in promoting golf during that era. Competed in numerous tournaments, earning a reputation for playing against top competitors of the time.

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Lucio Fontana

Painter and sculptor of Spatialism
Born
February 19th, 1899 126 years ago
Died
1968 57 years ago — 69 years old

Argentinian-Italian painter and sculptor developed the artistic movement known as Spatialism, which emphasized the conceptual dimensions of art beyond traditional canvases. Explored the relationship between art and space, often through iconic slashed paintings and three-dimensional works. Contributed significantly to contemporary art in the mid-20th century by founding the Zero Group. Engaged with ideas of time and space in a way that influenced future art practices.

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Channing H. Cox

American lawyer and Massachusetts governor
Born
October 28th, 1879 145 years ago
Died
1968 57 years ago — 89 years old

Served as the 49th Governor of Massachusetts from 1921 to 1925. Prior to governorship, held positions such as Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth from 1915 to 1920. Worked as a lawyer and was involved in various political and civic activities throughout his career.

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Francis Biddle

U.S. Attorney General during WWII
Born
May 19th, 1886 139 years ago
Died
1968 57 years ago — 82 years old

Served as the 58th United States Attorney General from 1941 to 1945 under President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Managed legal matters related to World War II, including the prosecution of war crimes. Additionally, held the position of Chief Judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. Biddle was involved in civil rights advocacy and contributed to the New Deal legislation.

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Charles Bacon

American runner and Olympic hurdler
Born
January 9th, 1885 140 years ago
Died
1968 57 years ago — 83 years old

Born in 1885, a prominent American runner and hurdler participated in the early 20th century athletic scene. Competed in the 1908 Summer Olympics in London, achieving notable results in the 110 meters hurdles. Dominated numerous national championships during the career, establishing a reputation in American track and field. Continued to influence the sport even after retiring from competitive events.

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