What Happened This Year 1844

People Who Died in 1844

Henri Gatien Bertrand

French general during the Napoleonic Wars
Born
1773 252 years ago
Died
January 31st, 1844 181 years ago — 71 years old

Served as a general in the French army during the Napoleonic Wars. Bertrand played a significant role in several key battles and was a close confidant of Napoleon Bonaparte. Participated in the Russian Campaign of 1812 and the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. Following Napoleon's defeat, went into exile with him on the island of Saint Helena, where Bertrand remained loyal until Napoleon's death.

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Henry Addington

Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
Born
May 30th, 1757 267 years ago
Died
February 15th, 1844 181 years ago — 86 years old

Served as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1801 to 1804. Represented the Tory party during a period characterized by ongoing conflicts with France. Participated in the negotiations of the Treaty of Amiens in 1802, temporarily bringing peace between Britain and France. Held the position of Speaker of the House of Commons before becoming Prime Minister. Also served as Home Secretary and was elevated to the peerage as 1st Viscount Sidmouth later in life.

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Nicholas Biddle

American banker and financier
Born
January 8th, 1786 239 years ago
Died
February 27th, 1844 181 years ago — 58 years old

Worked as the president of the Second Bank of the United States from 1822 to 1839, Biddle was influential in American banking and finance during the early 19th century. Oversaw the bank during a period of economic instability and played a key role in the rechartering efforts. Engaged in significant political conflicts, particularly with President Andrew Jackson, who opposed the bank. Biddle's leadership was marked by a strong defense of centralized banking.

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Charles XIV John of Sweden

King of Sweden and founder of a dynasty
Born
January 26th, 1763 262 years ago
Died
March 8th, 1844 181 years ago — 81 years old

Ruled as King of Sweden from 1818 until death in 1844. Emerged from a military background, having served in the Napoleonic Wars. Established the Bernadotte dynasty, which continues to the present day. Focused on modernizing Sweden, strengthening its economy, and promoting peace in Europe. Initiated significant infrastructure projects and underscored the importance of education and industry.

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Giuseppe Baini

Italian priest and music composer
Born
October 21st, 1775 249 years ago
Died
May 21st, 1844 180 years ago — 68 years old

A priest and composer, contributed to the development of Italian sacred music in the 19th century. Served in various religious roles while pursuing a career in music and music criticism. Composed several liturgical works and became an influential figure in the ecclesiastical music scene. Worked on historic musicological studies and contributed to a greater understanding of liturgical practices and music during his time.

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Thomas Campbell

Irish minister and theologian
Born
February 1st, 1763 262 years ago
Died
June 15th, 1844 180 years ago — 81 years old

Born in 1763 in Ireland, served as a prominent minister and theologian. Played a significant role in the Restoration Movement, advocating for Christian unity and church reform. Established the Campbellites, a group seeking to restore the New Testament church's practices. Contributed to theological discourse through writings that emphasized reason and scripture as the foundation for faith. Campaigned for a return to the simple teachings of Jesus, influencing various denominations.

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Étienne Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire

French biologist and zoologist
Born
April 15th, 1772 252 years ago
Died
June 19th, 1844 180 years ago — 72 years old

A prominent figure in the field of biology, contributions included the development of a theory of morphological unity among animals. Pioneered the study of comparative anatomy and established connections among various species. A founding member of the Société Zoologique de France, significant engagements included work on the classification of organisms and the impact of environment on biological development. Collaborated with notable contemporaries in scientific advancements.

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Hyrum Smith

Religious leader and church founder
Born
February 9th, 1800 225 years ago
Died
June 27th, 1844 180 years ago — 44 years old

Born in 1800, a prominent figure in the early development of the Latter Day Saint movement. Served as a key leader alongside his brother, Joseph Smith, and held the position of Assistant President of the Church. Contributed to the establishment of several communities and congregations. Played a significant role in the dissemination of early Latter Day Saint doctrines and teachings. His leadership influenced the growth and structure of the church during its formative years.

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Joseph Smith

Religious leader, founder of Mormonism
Born
December 23rd, 1805 219 years ago
Died
June 27th, 1844 180 years ago — 38 years old

Born on December 23, 1805, played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Latter Day Saint movement, which emerged during the early 19th century in the United States. Received revelations that led to the publication of the Book of Mormon in 1830, a sacred text for followers. Organized the Church of Christ, which later became known as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Led followers during periods of persecution and migration to the Utah Territory where the community would flourish. His leadership and teachings significantly shaped the religious landscape of the era until his martyrdom in 1844.

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