Herman Hollerith 1860 – 1929

Biography

Herman Hollerith was born on February 29, 1860, in Buffalo, New York, arriving on a rare leap day that would mark him as unique from the start. He dedicated his life to the field of statistics and invention, pursuing work that would shape how information could be processed and understood. Throughout his career, Hollerith demonstrated a commitment to innovation that left a lasting impact on his profession.

On November 17, 1929, Hollerith passed away in Washington, D.C., at the age of 69, following a myocardial infarction. His death marked the end of a significant chapter in American scientific history. He was laid to rest at Oak Hill Cemetery in Washington, D.C., where he remains remembered as a pioneering figure in his field.

Hollerith’s legacy endured beyond his lifetime, a testament to the importance of his work as a statistician and inventor. Though his life spanned less than seven decades, the contributions he made during those years reflected dedication to advancing the methods and tools available to those who worked with data and numbers.