What Happened This Year 1816

Born in 1816

Charles Frédéric Gerhardt

Chemist and academic known for organic chemistry
Born
August 21st, 1816 208 years ago
Died
1856 169 years ago — 40 years old

Contributed significantly to the field of organic chemistry during the 19th century. Developed the Gerhardt process, which was a notable advancement in preparing organic compounds. Engaged in academic pursuits, influencing the education of many chemists. Collaborated with prominent chemists of the time and published several important works in chemistry that further established fundamental concepts in the discipline.

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Charles Sladen

6th Premier of Victoria, Australia
Born
August 28th, 1816 208 years ago
Died
1884 141 years ago — 68 years old

A prominent politician, served as the 6th Premier of Victoria. His leadership spanned a transformative period in Australia’s governance. Involved in significant legislative developments, focused on issues affecting the growing population in Victoria during the 19th century. Established policies that shaped the administration of the state, contributing to its evolution and reform.

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Carl Zeiss

Physicist and lens maker, created optical instruments
Born
September 11th, 1816 208 years ago
Died
December 3rd, 1888 136 years ago — 72 years old

A German physicist and lens maker developed innovative optical instruments that transformed microscopy and photography. Established a workshop in Jena, which grew into a renowned optical company. Contributed to the development of various lenses and optical devices, including the apochromatic lens and the Zeiss microscope. Collaborated with prominent scientists and furthered advancements in optical technology.

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Georg August Rudolph

German lawyer and politician, Mayor
Born
September 25th, 1816 208 years ago
Died
December 13th, 1893 131 years ago — 77 years old

Served as the 3rd Mayor of Marburg, contributing to local governance and civic development. Engaged in legal practice and public service for the community, focusing on infrastructure and public welfare projects. Played a significant role in shaping the administrative policies of the town during the late 19th century.

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Ursula Frayne

Irish-Australian nun and missionary
Born
October 5th, 1816 208 years ago
Died
1885 140 years ago — 69 years old

Born in Ireland, a nun and missionary dedicated life to education and social services in Australia. Arrived in Sydney in 1840, established the first Catholic school for girls in the country. Played a crucial role in founding the Sisters of the Good Samaritan, which focused on providing education and assistance to poor communities. Contributed to the expansion of Catholic institutions in Australia throughout the 19th century.

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John Robertson

Politician, 5th Premier of New South Wales
Born
October 15th, 1816 208 years ago
Died
May 8th, 1891 133 years ago — 74 years old

Served as the 5th Premier of New South Wales, holding office from 1860 to 1861 and again from 1868 to 1870. Known for leading the colony during a time of economic growth. Contributed to the establishment of democratic reforms in the region. Engaged in significant education and land reforms that affected the populace.

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Malwida von Meysenbug

Writer associated with German literature
Born
October 28th, 1816 208 years ago
Died
1903 122 years ago — 87 years old

Born in 1816, a prominent German writer contributed significantly to literature, focusing on themes of feminism and social criticism. Active in the 19th century, wrote essays and novels that addressed women's rights and societal issues. Friends with notable figures such as Heinrich Heine and contributed to the intellectual discourse of the era. Her major work included 'Das Geheimnis der Frauen' which explored the challenges faced by women in society. Engaged in cultural and literary circles, her writings influenced contemporaries and later generations.

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Calvin Fairbank

American minister and abolitionist
Born
November 3rd, 1816 208 years ago
Died
October 12th, 1898 126 years ago — 81 years old

Contributed significantly to the abolitionist movement in the United States. Worked actively to assist escaping slaves via the Underground Railroad. Founded a church in Ohio focused on anti-slavery teachings. Imprisoned multiple times for his activism against slavery in the 19th century.

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Jubal Early

American Confederate General
Born
November 3rd, 1816 208 years ago
Died
March 2nd, 1896 129 years ago — 79 years old

A Confederate general during the American Civil War, Early commanded troops in several key battles and served as a corps commander under Robert E. Lee. Early participated in the invasion of the North and fought at the Battle of Gettysburg. After the war, Early became involved in the Lost Cause movement, advocating for Virginia's perspective on the Civil War's legacy. He also wrote memoirs detailing his experiences during the conflict, contributing to historical accounts of the war.

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