What Happened This Year 1804

Born in 1804

Julius Benedict

Conductor and composer of operas
Born
November 27th, 1804 220 years ago
Died
1885 140 years ago — 81 years old

Born in Germany and later settled in England, contributed significantly to the music scene during the 19th century. Composed several operas, choral works, and orchestral pieces. Served as the conductor of the local orchestras and various musical societies. His works were performed in major venues, gaining attention in both Britain and Germany. Benedict also held the position of conductor at significant events, including performances at the 'Royal Italian Opera'.

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William Weston

Australian politician, 3rd Premier of Tasmania
Born
November 28th, 1804 220 years ago
Died
February 21st, 1888 137 years ago — 83 years old

Served as the 3rd Premier of Tasmania from 1887 until 1888. Political career included leadership roles in the Tasmanian Legislative Council. Played a significant role in shaping early Tasmanian politics and governance.

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Carl Gustav Jacob Jacobi

Mathematician and academic known for elliptic functions
Born
December 10th, 1804 220 years ago
Died
February 18th, 1851 174 years ago — 46 years old

Carl Gustav Jacob Jacobi contributed significantly to the field of mathematics, particularly in the development of elliptic functions and determinants. Appointed to the University of Königsberg, he made substantial advancements in the theory of functions, including transformations and applications of elliptic integrals. Jacobi also studied and articulated various mathematical theories, earning recognition for his contributions to differential equations and mechanics. His work laid the groundwork for future mathematicians exploring complex analysis and algebra.

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Joseph Howe

Canadian politician, journalist, and premier
Born
December 13th, 1804 220 years ago
Died
June 1st, 1873 151 years ago — 68 years old

A journalist and politician from Canada, served as the 5th Premier of Nova Scotia from 1860 to 1863. Contributed significantly to the fields of journalism and politics, advocating for responsible government and transparency. Established the newspaper The Novascotian, which played a key role in the political landscape of Nova Scotia. Engaged in various public services, including serving in the Legislative Assembly and as a member of the Canadian House of Commons.

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Viktor Bunyakovsky

Mathematician and academic figure
Born
December 16th, 1804 220 years ago
Died
December 12th, 1889 135 years ago — 84 years old

Contributions included significant advancements in the field of mathematical analysis. Developed the Bunyakovsky inequality, which plays a crucial role in various branches of mathematics. Held a position at the University of Saint Petersburg. Published works that explored number theory and inequalities, influencing future research and education in mathematics.

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Benjamin Disraeli

British Prime Minister and novelist
Born
December 21st, 1804 220 years ago
Died
April 19th, 1881 143 years ago — 76 years old

A journalist and politician, served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom twice, first from 1868 and again from 1874 to 1880. Disraeli played a significant role in molding the Conservative Party and was instrumental in the passage of various reforms during his time in office. As a novelist, authored several influential works, including 'Sybil' and 'Coningsby,' which reflected the social and political issues of the era. Renowned for his unique blend of politics and literature, he helped shape modern political discourse in Britain.

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Charles Augustin Sainte-Beuve

French literary critic and author
Born
December 23rd, 1804 220 years ago
Died
October 13th, 1869 155 years ago — 64 years old

A prominent French literary critic and author. Contributed significantly to literary criticism through critical essays and biographical studies. Served as a prominent figure in the French literary scene during the 19th century, influencing various writers and thinkers. Published several volumes of literary essays, especially the 'Causeries du lundi,' examining contemporary literature and its authors. Held academic positions, including a role at the Collège de France, which further established a reputation in literary scholarship.

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John Langdon Sibley

Librarian and bibliographer
Born
December 29th, 1804 220 years ago
Died
1885 140 years ago — 81 years old

Established a significant library system in the United States, contributing to the identification and categorization of various literary works. Served as a librarian at Harvard University for several decades, where the library flourished under his management. Compiled and published a comprehensive bibliography of the American state libraries, showcasing his dedication to the preservation and accessibility of literary resources. His efforts had a lasting influence on library science and management practices.

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Osceola

American tribal leader and warrior
Born
1804 221 years ago
Died
January 30th, 1838 187 years ago — 34 years old

A prominent leader of the Seminole tribe, this individual played a significant role in the Second Seminole War against the United States. His resistance to removal from Florida highlighted the struggle of Native Americans during the westward expansion of the United States. Captured in 1837, this leader died in prison a year later, symbolizing the turmoil faced by Indigenous peoples during this period.

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