What Happened This Year 1846

People Who Died in 1846

John Torrington

Sailor and Arctic explorer
Born
1825 200 years ago
Died
January 1st, 1846 179 years ago — 21 years old

Torrington served as a sailor and was part of the ill-fated 1845 Franklin Expedition to find the Northwest Passage. The expedition aimed to explore and map northern Canada while connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Torrington and his crew became trapped in ice in the Arctic. They ultimately perished over the winter of 1845-1846. The circumstances of their demise highlighted the severe challenges faced in Arctic exploration during that era.

Continue Reading

Alfred Thomas Agate

American painter and illustrator of nature
Born
1812 213 years ago
Died
January 5th, 1846 179 years ago — 34 years old

Worked primarily as a painter and illustrator, contributing significantly to the documentation of American landscapes and wildlife. Involved with scientific expeditions, provided detailed depictions of fauna and flora. Collaborated with naturalists and explorers during the mid-19th century, producing illustrations that enhanced scientific understanding of the natural world. Exhibited works at prestigious institutions, gaining recognition for the precision and detail in botanical and zoological illustrations.

Continue Reading

Emperor Ninkō of Japan

Emperor of Japan during the 19th century
Born
March 16th, 1800 224 years ago
Died
February 21st, 1846 179 years ago — 45 years old

Ascended to the throne in 1817, Ninkō presided over a period of political turmoil and transformation in Japan. This era witnessed the opening of Japan to foreign influence, marking the beginning of the end for the Tokugawa shogunate. The emperor's reign included the Boshin War, which was pivotal in the transition from feudalism to modernization in Japan. Ninkō's rule was characterized by a reluctance to embrace the changes that foreign contact brought, as the country faced internal conflicts and pressures for reform. Despite the civil strife, this period laid the groundwork for Japan's subsequent rapid modernization.

Continue Reading

Friedrich Bessel

Astronomer celebrated for stellar parallax.
Born
July 22nd, 1784 240 years ago
Died
March 17th, 1846 178 years ago — 61 years old

Contributed significantly to the fields of astronomy and mathematics. Developed methods for measuring stellar parallax, providing evidence for the heliocentric model and establishing the first accurate metric system of astronomy. Worked on the precise measurement of star positions and created Bessel functions, aiding potential solutions in physical problems. The first person to successfully identify the distance to a star beyond the solar system.

Continue Reading

Solomon Sibley

American lawyer, 1st Mayor of Detroit
Born
October 7th, 1769 255 years ago
Died
April 4th, 1846 178 years ago — 76 years old

A prominent figure in early Detroit, significant contributions included serving as the first Mayor of Detroit from 1824 to 1826. Active in legal and political spheres, also played a role in the establishment of local government and civic infrastructure. Involved with the Michigan territorial legislature, helping shape laws and policies during a formative period for the state. His work in law and governance laid the groundwork for future leaders in the region.

Continue Reading

Domenico Dragonetti

Italian bassist and composer
Born
April 7th, 1763 261 years ago
Died
April 16th, 1846 178 years ago — 83 years old

Born in 1763, this musician gained prominence as a leading double bassist and a prolific composer. His performances with the orchestra at the King's Theatre in London showcased his skills and contributed to the popularity of the double bass as a solo instrument. Active in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, he worked with notable composers such as Haydn and Beethoven, creating significant works for the double bass. His compositions and arrangements played a crucial role in the evolution of bass performance.

Continue Reading

Philip Marheineke

German pastor and philosopher
Born
1780 245 years ago
Died
May 31st, 1846 178 years ago — 66 years old

Contributed to the field of theology and philosophy during the 19th century. Served as a pastor in the Protestant church, focusing on the principles of German idealism. Played a significant role in the development of the philosophy of religion. Influenced theological discussions and interpretations in his time.

Continue Reading

Pope Gregory XVI

Pope with papal bull on slavery
Born
September 18th, 1765 259 years ago
Died
June 1st, 1846 178 years ago — 80 years old

Served as Pope from 1831 until death in 1846. Issued the encyclical 'In supremo apostolatus' which condemned the slave trade and slavery itself. Advocated for the preservation of the Papal States and opposed liberal reforms. Strengthened the Congregation of the Index to curtail modernist thought and censorship of publications. Worked on restoring the Catholic Church's authority in regions where church influence had diminished.

Continue Reading

Rodolphe Töpffer

Pioneer of comic strip art and caricature
Born
January 31st, 1799 226 years ago
Died
June 8th, 1846 178 years ago — 47 years old

A Swiss teacher authored several influential books on education and art. Created early comic strips, which contributed to the development of graphic storytelling. Also worked as a painter and caricaturist, blending visual art with humor. His contributions helped shape the modern comic format, influencing later comic artists and writers.

Continue Reading