What Happened This Year 1795

Born in 1795

Charles Sturt

Botanist and explorer of Australia
Born
1795 230 years ago
Died
June 16th, 1869 156 years ago — 74 years old

An Indian-English botanist and explorer, contributed significantly to the exploration of Australia. Undertook several expeditions to map the interior, aiming to discover a route to the continent's interior. Notable for the exploration of the Murray and Darling Rivers and the search for an inland sea. Published detailed accounts of travels, enhancing knowledge of Australian geography and flora.

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James Whitcomb

American lawyer and 8th Governor of Indiana
Born
1795 230 years ago
Died
October 4th, 1852 173 years ago — 57 years old

Served as the 8th Governor of Indiana from 1843 to 1848. Involved in state politics, focusing on issues such as education and internal improvements. Contributed to the establishment of Indiana's public school system and supported infrastructure development, including roads and canals. Participated in Democratic Party activities and was a prominent figure in Indiana's political landscape during the mid-19th century.

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Policarpa Salavarrieta

Colombian seamstress and spy
Born
1795 230 years ago
Died
November 14th, 1817 207 years ago — 22 years old

A seamstress and spy during the Colombian War of Independence, contributed to the revolutionary cause through intelligence gathering. Actively engaged in espionage activities, relayed critical information to insurgents, and assisted in the recruitment of soldiers. Played a significant role in coordinating actions against colonial forces and provided support to independence leaders. Captured by Spanish forces, faced execution for her actions, becoming a symbol of resistance and bravery.

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Friedrich Wilhelm Eduard Gerhard

German archaeologist and academic
Born
1795 230 years ago
Died
May 12th, 1867 158 years ago — 72 years old

Served as a prominent archaeologist in Germany, specializing in ancient artifacts and historical sites. Contributed significantly to the understanding of classical antiquity through research and extensive expeditions. Engaged in archaeological studies that emphasized the importance of systematic excavation and preservation of historical materials. Participated in academic discussions that shaped the field of archaeology in the 19th century.

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Kondraty Ryleyev

Russian poet and Decembrist leader
Born
1795 230 years ago
Died
July 25th, 1826 199 years ago — 31 years old

A notable Russian poet and publisher, contributed significantly to the Decembrist movement advocating for constitutional reform and an end to serfdom in Russia. Ryleyev published several literary works that reflected his revolutionary ideas and employed powerful imagery to convey social and political messages. His involvement in the Decembrist uprising against Tsar Nicholas I in December 1825 led to arrest, and he faced execution for his actions the following year.

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Chief Oshkosh

Menominee Chief and Tribal Leader
Born
1795 230 years ago
Died
August 31st, 1858 167 years ago — 63 years old

Served as a chief of the Menominee tribe in the 19th century. Played a crucial role in negotiations with the United States government regarding land and treaty rights. Advocated for the preservation of Menominee culture and sovereignty during a period of significant change and pressure from external settlers. Led the tribe in efforts to resist forced removal from ancestral lands.

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Dred Scott

American slave and legal activist
Born
1795 230 years ago
Died
September 17th, 1858 167 years ago — 63 years old

Born into slavery in Virginia, Scott later moved to Missouri and was purchased by an army surgeon. After traveling to free territories, Scott filed a lawsuit for his freedom in 1846. The case reached the Supreme Court, where in 1857, the court ruled against him in Dred Scott v. Sandford, stating that African Americans could not be considered citizens and had no right to sue in federal court. This ruling intensified national tensions over slavery.

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James Harper

American publisher and politician
Born
1795 230 years ago
Died
March 27th, 1869 156 years ago — 74 years old

A publisher and politician served as the 65th Mayor of New York City. Harper was instrumental in founding Harper & Brothers, a major publishing house that became significant in American literature. Under Harper's leadership, the company published works of many well-known authors, including Mark Twain and Emily Dickinson. His tenure as mayor began in 1844 and continued until 1845, focusing on city infrastructure and governance during a period of rapid urban growth. The publishing company he co-founded contributed to advancements in both literature and mass communication in the United States.

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