What Happened This Year 1791

Born in 1791

Franz Grillparzer

Austrian playwright and poet
Born
January 15th, 1791 234 years ago
Died
January 21st, 1872 153 years ago — 81 years old

Born in Vienna in 1791, a prominent figure in Austrian literature, primarily wrote plays and poetry. Made significant contributions to the drama genre, drawing on themes of human existence and morality. His works often reflected personal struggles and societal issues. Notable plays include 'The Atheist' and 'The Golden Fleece'. His writing style combined classic and romantic elements, generating a lasting influence on later Austrian playwrights.

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Peter Cooper

Philanthropist and founder of Cooper Union
Born
February 12th, 1791 234 years ago
Died
April 4th, 1883 141 years ago — 92 years old

An American businessman and philanthropist contributed significantly to education and industry. Founded the Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art in 1859, which provided free education to students. Developed the first patented gelatin dessert, leading to the creation of Jell-O. Was involved in the construction of the Atlantic Avenue Tunnel in Brooklyn, one of the first tunnels in the United States. Contributed to various civic causes, advocating for public education and social equity.

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Carl Czerny

Austrian pianist and composer of exercises
Born
February 21st, 1791 234 years ago
Died
July 15th, 1857 167 years ago — 66 years old

Born in Vienna, a significant pianist and composer, contributed extensively to piano technique. Composed numerous etudes, including the 'School of Velocity' and 'The Art of Finger Dexterity.' Worked as a teacher and mentor to future composers, influencing the development of piano pedagogy. Established a reputation for detailed technical studies that are still utilized in piano education today. Active during the early 19th century, Czerny's works remain essential in the training of pianists.

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Charles Knight

English author and publisher
Born
March 15th, 1791 234 years ago
Died
1873 152 years ago — 82 years old

An author and publisher, contributed significantly to the field of literature and education in the 19th century. Founded and published several important works, including the 'Encyclopaedia Metropolitana', which aimed to provide accessible knowledge to the general public. Additionally, played a pivotal role in establishing the first national newspaper, promoting the importance of journalism and information dissemination. His publications often focused on historical and educational themes.

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Anne Lister

Diarist and mountaineer
Born
April 3rd, 1791 233 years ago
Died
1840 185 years ago — 49 years old

A prominent diarist, mountaineer, and traveller, she documented daily life and personal reflections in detailed journals that spanned several decades. Lister's writings explored themes of gender, sexuality, and social life in the 19th century. She undertook several significant climbing expeditions in the English and Welsh mountains. Her contributions to both literature and the climbing community have established her legacy as a foundational figure in these fields.

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James Buchanan

15th President of the United States
Born
April 23rd, 1791 233 years ago
Died
June 1st, 1868 156 years ago — 77 years old

Served as the 15th President of the United States from 1857 to 1861. Held various political roles including serving as Secretary of State under President James K. Polk. Worked as a lawyer and represented Pennsylvania in the House of Representatives and the Senate. Actively involved in the Democratic Party and sought to maintain peace between the North and South prior to the Civil War.

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Samuel Morse

Painter and inventor of Morse code
Born
April 27th, 1791 233 years ago
Died
April 2nd, 1872 152 years ago — 80 years old

An American painter and academic contributed significantly to visual arts and communication. Morse studied at Yale College before becoming a successful portrait artist in the early 19th century. The invention of Morse code in the 1830s transformed long-distance communication. This coded system of dots and dashes was essential for the development of telegraphy. In addition to artistic pursuits, Morse was a co-founder of the National Academy of Design, contributing to the establishment of art institutions in the United States. His innovations greatly influenced communication methods and artistic practices.

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Minh Mạng

Vietnamese emperor during the Nguyễn dynasty
Born
May 25th, 1791 233 years ago
Died
January 20th, 1841 184 years ago — 49 years old

Reigned as the second emperor of the Nguyễn dynasty from 1820 to 1841. Implemented significant reforms in administration, military, and education. Centralized governance and strengthened the power of the emperor. Expanded the country's territory and made efforts to consolidate national identity. Emphasized Confucian principles in the government's operations and the society at large.

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Félix Savart

French physicist and psychologist
Born
June 30th, 1791 233 years ago
Died
March 16th, 1841 183 years ago — 49 years old

Contributed significantly to the fields of physics and psychology during the early 19th century. Developed a formula for calculating the magnetic field generated by a current-carrying wire, which later became essential in electromagnetism. Conducted research on vibrations and sounds, leading to advancements in acoustics. Worked on optics and the psychology of perception.

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