What Happened This Year 1807

Born in 1807

David Rice Atchison

American politician and general
Born
August 11th, 1807 217 years ago
Died
January 26th, 1886 139 years ago — 78 years old

Served as a United States Senator from Missouri and participated in the military during the Mexican-American War. Atchison was Senate President Pro Tempore and acted as President of the United States for a single day. He played a role in the events surrounding the Bleeding Kansas crisis and supported the expansion of slavery into the territories. His tenure in the Senate highlighted the sectional tensions leading up to the Civil War.

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Jules Grévy

French politician, 4th President of France
Born
August 15th, 1807 217 years ago
Died
September 9th, 1891 133 years ago — 84 years old

Served as the fourth President of the French Republic from 1879 to 1887. Before presidency, practiced law and engaged in politics as a member of the Chamber of Deputies. Advocated for Republican values and worked on various social reforms during his tenure. Resigned from the presidency following a scandal involving a family member. Contributed to the establishment of administrative reforms in France.

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B. T. Finniss

Australian politician, 1st Premier of South Australia
Born
August 18th, 1807 217 years ago
Died
December 24th, 1893 131 years ago — 86 years old

Born in Australia, served as the first Premier of South Australia from 1856 to 1857. Played a crucial role in the establishment of the state's government structure. Had a background in law and served in various public offices prior to becoming Premier, contributing to early governance and development in South Australia. Involved in legislative reforms during his term that aimed to shape the political landscape of the state.

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Henry Sewell

English lawyer, 1st Prime Minister of NZ
Born
September 7th, 1807 217 years ago
Died
1879 146 years ago — 72 years old

An English lawyer and politician served as the first Prime Minister of New Zealand. Appointed in 1856, held office until 1857. Promoted the establishment of responsible government in New Zealand and played a crucial role in the development of its political system. Participated actively in the legislative assembly, contributing to the foundation of various policies and governance frameworks. After leaving office, remained involved in New Zealand's political landscape and continued to advocate for constitutional reforms.

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Richard Chenevix Trench

Archbishop and philologist
Born
September 9th, 1807 217 years ago
Died
1886 139 years ago — 79 years old

Contributed significantly to theological scholarship and philology. Served as the Archbishop of Dublin from 1864 to 1880. Authored several influential works including 'On the Study of Words', which examined the development of the English language. Played a role in the establishment of the National Board of Education in Ireland. Engaged in biblical scholarship and focused on the interaction between language and theology.

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Louis-Hippolyte Lafontaine

Canadian politician and jurist
Born
October 4th, 1807 217 years ago
Died
February 26th, 1864 161 years ago — 56 years old

Served as the third Premier of Canada East, playing a crucial role in the establishment of responsible government in the province. Advocated for civil liberties and the use of both English and French in the legislature. Participated extensively in political life, contributing to the unification of Canadian provinces. His efforts paved the way for the eventual confederation of Canada.

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Harriet Taylor Mill

Philosopher and women's rights advocate
Born
October 8th, 1807 217 years ago
Died
November 3rd, 1858 166 years ago — 51 years old

Born in England in 1807, a prominent philosopher and advocate for women's rights emerged as a key figure in the 19th century. Collaborated extensively with her husband, John Stuart Mill, on various philosophical works and social reform issues. Contributed to the discourse on equality, particularly in the context of women's suffrage and liberation. Authored essays that explored the conditions of women in society and broader philosophical themes such as liberty and justice.

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Jónas Hallgrímsson

Icelandic poet and naturalist
Born
November 16th, 1807 217 years ago
Died
1845 180 years ago — 38 years old

Born in Iceland, this individual made significant contributions to Icelandic literature and natural science. A key figure in the Romantic movement in Iceland, authored the poem 'Ísland', which reflects a deep appreciation for the Icelandic landscape. Also, engaged in natural sciences, conducting studies that laid groundwork for later scientific exploration in Iceland. Involved in the founding of the Icelandic National Museum, promoting the study of Icelandic history and culture.

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Friedrich Traugott Kützing

German botanist and phycologist
Born
December 8th, 1807 217 years ago
Died
September 9th, 1893 131 years ago — 85 years old

Contributed significantly to the study of algae, authoring several important texts. Published 'Phycologia Germanica', a comprehensive work on freshwater and marine algae. Worked on the classification and naming of algae species, influencing future botanical research. Engaged in pharmaceutical studies, applying knowledge of plants to medicine.

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