Jonas Basanavičius
1851–1927 (age 76)
Biography
Jonas Basanavičius (1851–1927) stands as one of the architects of a modern Lithuanian identity, a physician whose writings, political leadership, and role in the Council of Lithuania helped bring about independence in 1918.
His dedication to the Lithuanian language, folklore, and public health inspired countless compatriots and cemented his reputation as the patriarch of the national revival.