What Happened This Year 1842

Born in 1842

Emily Dobson

Australian philanthropist
Born
October 10th, 1842 182 years ago
Died
June 5th, 1934 90 years ago — 91 years old

Born in Australia in 1842, this individual was instrumental in various charitable endeavors and community service efforts. Leading efforts to improve education and health services, the individual played a key role in the establishment of several organizations focused on aiding underprivileged populations. Advocacy for women's rights and social justice characterized many initiatives, creating a legacy of commitment to philanthropic work.

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Joe Start

Baseball player and manager
Born
October 14th, 1842 182 years ago
Died
March 27th, 1927 98 years ago — 84 years old

Started professional baseball career in 1859. Played first base for several teams, including the Brooklyn Excelsiors and the New York Mutuals. Managed teams after retirement from playing, influencing the game’s development. Won the 1885 pennant with the New York Giants in the American Association. Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1939.

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Vasily Vereshchagin

Russian soldier and war painter
Born
October 26th, 1842 182 years ago
Died
1904 121 years ago — 62 years old

A soldier in the Imperial Russian Army, focused on depicting the realities of war through art. Traveled extensively, providing firsthand experience that influenced works. Paintings often highlighted the brutality and consequences of conflict, diverging from romanticized views of battle. Participated in numerous military campaigns, including the Russo-Turkish War. Also created notable works that included scenes from the Afghan War, showcasing the struggles faced by soldiers and the impact of war on humanity.

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Giovanni Giolitti

Italian politician and Prime Minister
Born
October 27th, 1842 182 years ago
Died
July 17th, 1928 96 years ago — 85 years old

Served multiple terms as Prime Minister of Italy during the early 20th century, Giolitti played a central role in transforming the Italian political landscape. His leadership was marked by significant domestic reforms and the establishment of a modern welfare state. Focused on industrialization and national unification, he navigated Italy through social and political challenges. His tenure is often associated with the liberal movement and attempts to stabilize Italy amidst rising labor strikes and social unrest.

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John William Strutt

Physicist and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
November 12th, 1842 182 years ago
Died
June 30th, 1919 105 years ago — 76 years old

A prominent physicist and academic, a key contributor to the study of sound and light. Conducted experiments that advanced the understanding of the scattering of light, leading to the formulation of Rayleigh scattering. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1904 for investigations of the densities of the most important gases and the methods employed in their investigation. Also engaged in university administration, serving as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cambridge and played a significant role in academic governance.

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Phoebe Hearst

Philanthropist and activist
Born
December 3rd, 1842 182 years ago
Died
1919 106 years ago — 77 years old

Active in social and educational reform, contributed to the establishment of numerous educational institutions. Played a crucial role in founding the University of California and the Hearst Memorial Mining Building. Philanthropic efforts included support for the Hearst Art Gallery and various women's education initiatives. Engaged in advocacy for improved living conditions in California's communities and contributed substantially to charitable organizations.

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Ellen Swallow Richards

Chemist and pioneer in ecology education
Born
December 3rd, 1842 182 years ago
Died
1911 114 years ago — 69 years old

An American chemist, ecologist, and educator, contributed significantly to the field of domestic science. Established the first home economics curriculum in the United States at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Played a crucial role in promoting the application of scientific principles in everyday life, especially regarding nutrition and sanitation. Advocated for women's education and was instrumental in founding the American Home Economics Association.

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Charles Alfred Pillsbury

Businessman and founder of Pillsbury Company
Born
December 3rd, 1842 182 years ago
Died
September 17th, 1899 125 years ago — 56 years old

Founded the Pillsbury Company, specializing in flour milling and food products. Expanded the company significantly, introducing innovative marketing and packaging strategies. Played a key role in the development of the national brand and the distribution of flour products across the United States. Contributed to the establishment of the flour industry in Minnesota.

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Peter Kropotkin

Russian zoologist and geographer
Born
December 9th, 1842 182 years ago
Died
February 8th, 1921 104 years ago — 78 years old

Contributed significantly to the fields of zoology and geography. Developed the theory of mutual aid, emphasizing cooperation among species. Engaged in studies of the natural world, promoting a progressive view of evolution. Published major works including 'Mutual Aid: A Factor of Evolution' and 'The Conquest of Bread', which addressed social and economic issues with an anarchist perspective. Involved in revolutionary activities and promoted anarchism as a political philosophy.

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