What Happened This Year 1837

Born in 1837

Francis Wayland Parker

Education reform theorist and leader
Born
October 9th, 1837 187 years ago
Died
1902 123 years ago — 65 years old

A key figure in the development of progressive education, contributed to the establishment of innovative teaching methods. Advocated for experiential learning and child-centered education models. Served as the principal of the Cook County Normal School in Chicago and later founded the Francis W. Parker School. Promoted the belief that education should develop a child's character and intellect through active participation and engagement. Published works on pedagogy that influenced educational theory in the United States.

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Robert Gould Shaw

American colonel and civil war leader
Born
October 10th, 1837 187 years ago
Died
July 18th, 1863 161 years ago — 25 years old

Served as a colonel in the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment during the American Civil War. Led the first African American regiment from the North into battle. Played a significant role in the attack on Fort Wagner in 1863, where he died in combat, becoming a symbol of bravery and sacrifice.

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Moritz Kaposi

Hungarian dermatologist and Kaposi's sarcoma
Born
October 23rd, 1837 187 years ago
Died
1902 123 years ago — 65 years old

A Hungarian dermatologist specialized in dermatology and pathology. Developed studies on various skin diseases and greatly contributed to the understanding of skin cancer. The term 'Kaposi's sarcoma' was named in his honor, recognizing his work in dermatological oncology. Through published works, influenced the field of dermatology significantly by detailing numerous skin conditions and treatments.

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Tokugawa Yoshinobu

Japanese shōgun during the Edo period
Born
October 28th, 1837 187 years ago
Died
November 22nd, 1913 111 years ago — 76 years old

Served as the last shōgun of the Tokugawa shogunate from 1867 until the Meiji Restoration in 1868. Focused on political reform and modernization efforts in response to internal and external pressures. Ultimately resigned and returned power to the emperor, marking the end of military governance in Japan. The restoration initiated significant political, social, and economic changes in the country.

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Harriet Powers

Folk artist and quiltmaker
Born
October 29th, 1837 187 years ago
Died
1910 115 years ago — 73 years old

An artist and quiltmaker contributed to the genre of folk art through distinctive quilts that depicted narratives and historical events. Powers created two notable quilts, the Biblically themed 'Bible Quilt' and the 'Pictorial Quilt', both demonstrating storytelling through fabric. These quilts were distinctive for their vibrant colors and intricate designs, showcasing the African American quilting tradition. Powers exhibited her work at the 1895 Cotton States International Exposition in Atlanta, gaining recognition for her craft. The quilts have since been preserved and displayed in various art institutions, reflecting her contributions to American folk art.

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Émile Bayard

French illustrator of classic literature
Born
November 2nd, 1837 187 years ago
Died
1891 134 years ago — 54 years old

This individual worked primarily as an illustrator and painter, contributing significantly to the visual representation of classic literary works. Notable illustrations include those for Jules Verne's novels, such as 'Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea' and 'Around the World in Eighty Days'. His artwork often featured detailed, imaginative scenes that complemented the narratives of the texts. Additionally, the artist was known for creating illustrations for the works of authors like Alexandre Dumas and Victor Hugo.

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Ilia Chavchavadze

Georgian journalist and political figure
Born
November 8th, 1837 187 years ago
Died
September 12th, 1907 117 years ago — 69 years old

Significant contributions included journalism, law, and politics. Advocated for national identity and cultural revival in Georgia during the 19th century. Edited the influential newspaper Iveria, which became a platform for Georgian nationalist ideas. Played a key role in the establishment of the Georgian National Movement, promoting education and social reforms. Instrumental in the foundation of various cultural and educational institutions.

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James T. Rapier

American lawyer and politician
Born
November 13th, 1837 187 years ago
Died
1883 142 years ago — 46 years old

Born in 1837, Rapier was an American lawyer and politician who played a significant role during the Reconstruction era. He served in the United States House of Representatives, representing Alabama from 1873 to 1875. His legal career focused on advocating for civil rights and addressing the injustices faced by African Americans in the South. Rapier actively participated in local politics and worked toward improving the legal framework for newly freed individuals following the Civil War. His work extended to various initiatives aimed at the betterment of African American communities within Alabama.

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Johannes Diderik van der Waals

Dutch physicist, Nobel Prize laureate
Born
November 23rd, 1837 187 years ago
Died
March 8th, 1923 102 years ago — 85 years old

A physicist and academic contributed significantly to the understanding of intermolecular forces and equations of state. Developed the van der Waals equation, which describes the behavior of real gases, particularly at low temperatures and high pressures. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1910 for work in thermodynamics and studying gas liquefaction. Served as a professor at several institutions, influencing future generations of physicists through academic contributions and mentorship.

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