What Happened This Year 1805

Born in 1805

William Lloyd Garrison

Abolitionist journalist and activist
Born
December 10th, 1805 220 years ago
Died
May 24th, 1879 146 years ago — 73 years old

Owned and published the abolitionist newspaper, The Liberator, which advocated for the immediate emancipation of enslaved individuals. Co-founded the American Anti-Slavery Society to mobilize public opinion against slavery and promote civil rights. Worked tirelessly for women's rights, aligning with other reform movements of the time. Played a significant role in the abolitionist movement, influencing public discourse through powerful speeches and writings.

Continue Reading

Henry Wells

Businessman, co-founder of Wells Fargo
Born
December 12th, 1805 220 years ago
Died
1878 148 years ago — 73 years old

A businessman co-founded Wells Fargo and American Express in the mid-19th century. Focused on providing banking services and expanding financial systems, helped transform the landscape of American finance. Was instrumental in developing express mail services, allowing for faster communication and commercial transactions across the growing nation.

Continue Reading

Thomas Graham

Scottish chemist and diffusion theory pioneer
Born
December 21st, 1805 220 years ago
Died
December 18th, 1843 182 years ago — 37 years old

Contributed significantly to the field of chemistry, particularly in the study of gas diffusion. Developed Graham's Law of Effusion, which describes the rates at which gases diffuse through different mediums. Conducted important experiments on the diffusion of gases, leading to a deeper understanding of molecular movement. Also served as a professor at University College London, influencing future generations of chemists through academic leadership.

Continue Reading

John Obadiah Westwood

Entomologist and archaeologist
Born
December 22nd, 1805 220 years ago
Died
1893 133 years ago — 88 years old

Contributed significantly to entomology, particularly in the classification of beetles. Published various works, including 'Introduction to the Study of the Coleoptera', which provided a foundational understanding of beetle taxonomy. In archaeology, worked on excavations and studies of ancient artifacts, contributing to the understanding of historical contexts. Held the position of the first Keeper of Entomology at the Ashmolean Museum, influencing the study of insects in the UK.

Continue Reading

Joseph Smith

Religious leader, founder of Mormonism
Born
December 23rd, 1805 220 years ago
Died
June 27th, 1844 181 years ago — 38 years old

Born on December 23, 1805, played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Latter Day Saint movement, which emerged during the early 19th century in the United States. Received revelations that led to the publication of the Book of Mormon in 1830, a sacred text for followers. Organized the Church of Christ, which later became known as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Led followers during periods of persecution and migration to the Utah Territory where the community would flourish. His leadership and teachings significantly shaped the religious landscape of the era until his martyrdom in 1844.

Continue Reading

Marie d'Agoult

Historian and author of the 19th century
Born
December 31st, 1805 220 years ago
Died
March 5th, 1876 150 years ago — 70 years old

Born into a wealthy family, contributed to French letters and historical scholarship during the 19th century. Engaged in the Romantic movement, edited and published works that highlighted the significance of modern history and culture. Notably, wrote about her experiences and observations in the literary scene of her time, including her relationship with composer Franz Liszt, which influenced her writing. Her efforts in establishing French history as a subject of academic inquiry paved the way for future historians.

Continue Reading

Roswell B. Mason

25th Mayor of Chicago
Born
1805 221 years ago
Died
January 1st, 1892 134 years ago — 87 years old

Served as the 25th Mayor of Chicago from 1857 to 1858. Contributed to the city's governance during a period of significant growth and development. Prior to the mayoralty, held roles within the city council, influencing local legislation and administration. Practiced law and engaged in various civic activities, advocating for improvements in city infrastructure and services. Oversaw the city's response to challenges faced during rapid urbanization.

Continue Reading

Kuriakose Elias Chavara

Indian priest and saint
Born
1805 221 years ago
Died
January 3rd, 1871 155 years ago — 66 years old

Founded the Congregation of the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate in 1831 and played a crucial role in establishing a system of education based on Christian values. Established the first Sanskrit school in Kerala, contributing to the educational landscape of the region. Canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church, recognized for his dedication to pastoral care and education in 2014.

Continue Reading

Asa Packer

American businessman and university founder
Born
1805 221 years ago
Died
May 17th, 1879 146 years ago — 74 years old

A businessman from Pennsylvania, established a significant fortune in the railroad industry. Founded Lehigh University in 1865, contributing to higher education in the region. Involved in various philanthropic efforts aimed at supporting education and infrastructure development in Pennsylvania. His investments in railroads had a lasting influence on regional commerce.

Continue Reading