What Happened This Year 1821

Born in 1821

Linus Yale Jr.

Engineer and inventor of the modern lock
Born
April 4th, 1821 203 years ago
Died
December 25th, 1868 156 years ago — 47 years old

An American engineer and businessman, significant contributions to lock technology were made while operating a lock manufacturing company. Developed the pin tumbler lock mechanism, which revolutionized locking systems. Patented multiple inventions related to locks and keys. Contributed to the founding of Yale & Towne Manufacturing Company in 1868, furthering production and distribution of high-quality locking devices.

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Charles Baudelaire

French poet and critic; 'Les Fleurs du mal'
Born
April 9th, 1821 203 years ago
Died
August 31st, 1867 157 years ago — 46 years old

A significant figure in French literature, contributed to theSymbolist movement. Published 'Les Fleurs du mal,' a collection of poems that explored themes of beauty, decadence, and modernity. Critically examined art and literature in essays, introducing new perspectives on aesthetics. Influenced various 20th-century writers and poets, establishing groundwork for modern poetry.

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Ford Madox Brown

Painter and Pre-Raphaelite artist
Born
April 16th, 1821 203 years ago
Died
1893 132 years ago — 72 years old

Born in 1821, a significant figure in the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, noted for contributions to Victorian art. A prominent painter, focused on narrative works that depicted social themes and historical subjects. Key paintings include 'Work', which showcases the plight of the working class, and 'The Last of England', reflecting emigration. Served as a tutor to future artists and contributed to the establishment of the Pre-Raphaelite movement, alongside contemporaries like Dante Gabriel Rossetti and John Everett Millais.

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Henry Ayers

English-Australian politician, Premier
Born
May 1st, 1821 203 years ago
Died
June 11th, 1897 127 years ago — 76 years old

Born in England, a prominent politician in South Australia during the 19th century. Served as the 8th Premier of South Australia from 1863 to 1864 and held the position multiple times, shaping political landscapes. Played a key role in agricultural and economic developments in South Australia, advocating for railroads and land reforms, which contributed to the region's expansion. Participated actively in colonial governance, navigating complex political issues of the time.

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William Henry Vanderbilt

Businessman and philanthropist, railroad magnate
Born
May 8th, 1821 203 years ago
Died
December 8th, 1885 139 years ago — 64 years old

Born in 1821, Vanderbilt significantly expanded the family business primarily in railroads. As president of the New York Central Railroad, he oversaw the growth and modernization of rail transport in the United States. Following the death of his father, he managed the largest railroad network in the country. Vanderbilt was instrumental in integrating various railroad lines and was a pioneer in establishing more efficient operations. His philanthropic efforts included funding the construction of various public institutions and improvements in transportation infrastructure.

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Pafnuty Chebyshev

Mathematician and statistician, Chebyshev polynomials
Born
May 16th, 1821 203 years ago
Died
December 8th, 1894 130 years ago — 73 years old

A Russian mathematician and statistician, contributed significantly to number theory, approximation theory, and probability. Developed Chebyshev polynomials and established the foundation for Chebyshev's inequality in statistics. Authored several influential works and served as a professor at the University of St. Petersburg, where he influenced generations of mathematicians. The Chebyshev graph and Chebyshev approximation remain pivotal concepts in analysis and computational mathematics.

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Sebastian Kneipp

Therapist and pioneer of hydrotherapy
Born
May 17th, 1821 203 years ago
Died
1897 128 years ago — 76 years old

A German priest and therapist, focused on natural healing methods, developed a holistic approach combining hydrotherapy, exercise, diet, and herbal medicine. Established a wellness philosophy known as the Kneipp Method, emphasizing the importance of water treatments for health. Constructed a health resort in Bad Wörishofen, where treatments and teachings attracted numerous followers. Published several books detailing his methods, which contributed to the spread of natural healing practices in Europe.

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Apollon Maykov

Russian poet and playwright
Born
June 4th, 1821 203 years ago
Died
March 20th, 1897 127 years ago — 75 years old

Contributed significantly to Russian literature during the 19th century. Developed a unique style that blended realism with romanticism. Wrote plays that were influential in the theatre scene in Russia. Gained recognition through poetry that expressed deep emotional and intellectual themes, reflecting the complexities of human experience.

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Old Tom Morris

Scottish golfer and golf course architect
Born
June 16th, 1821 203 years ago
Died
May 24th, 1908 116 years ago — 86 years old

A significant figure in the history of golf, played a key role in the development of the sport in the 19th century. Contributed to the evolution of golf course design and was instrumental in shaping the Old Course at St Andrews. Competed in several tournaments, highlighted by winning the Open Championship four times. His work as a greenkeeper and architect set benchmarks for golf course design worldwide.

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