What Happened This Year 1847

Born in 1847

Ellen Terry

English actress in Shakespearean plays
Born
February 27th, 1847 178 years ago
Died
July 21st, 1928 96 years ago — 81 years old

This actress gained prominence in the late 19th century, primarily for performances in Shakespearean plays. She became the leading actress at the Lyceum Theatre in London, where she successfully collaborated with renowned actor-manager Henry Irving. Terry's portrayal of Lady Macbeth in 'Macbeth' and her performance in 'The Winter's Tale' helped define her legacy in the theatre world. Her commitment to the craft and her ability to bring complex characters to life set a standard for future generations of actors.

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Alexander Graham Bell

Engineer, inventor of the telephone
Born
March 3rd, 1847 178 years ago
Died
August 2nd, 1922 102 years ago — 75 years old

A Scottish-Canadian engineer and inventor, revolutionized communication technology with the invention of the telephone. Formulated the first practical method of transferring vocal sounds over electric wires. Established the Bell Telephone Company, which played a crucial role in expanding telephone services in North America. Contributed to advancements in education for the deaf, co-founding the American Association to Promote the Teaching of Speech to the Deaf. Acted as a leading figure in early telecommunications.

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Martin Pierre Marsick

Violinist and composer associated with education
Born
March 9th, 1847 178 years ago
Died
1924 101 years ago — 77 years old

A Belgian violinist, composer, and educator contributed significantly to music education. Played as a soloist and recorded compositions that enhanced the violin repertoire. Influenced many students through teaching at various institutions, helping shape the next generation of musicians. Composed works that are studied and performed by violinists today.

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Castro Alves

Brazilian poet and playwright
Born
March 14th, 1847 178 years ago
Died
1871 154 years ago — 24 years old

Castro Alves was a Brazilian poet and playwright who became a prominent figure in Brazilian literature during the 19th century. He developed a unique style that combined Romantic and Brazilian cultural elements. His works often addressed themes of social injustice, particularly the abolition of slavery. Alves gained recognition for his powerful poetry that resonated with the struggles of his time. His most famous work, the poem 'O Navio Negreiro,' vividly depicted the horrors of the slave trade. His contributions to literature not only influenced his contemporaries but also left a lasting impact on future generations of writers.

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Albert Pinkham Ryder

American painter, The Lorelei
Born
March 19th, 1847 178 years ago
Died
March 28th, 1917 108 years ago — 70 years old

A prominent figure in American art, this painter became recognized for his unique style and evocative landscapes. The works often depicted themes of nature and the sublime, exhibiting a deep emotional resonance. This artist gained acclaim for the use of vivid colors and imaginative compositions, drawing inspiration from literature and mythology. Major exhibitions showcased the art, leading to significant attention towards his contributions to American impressionism. The painter's work, characterized by dreamlike qualities, has been influential in shaping the direction of modern art.

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Otto Wallach

Chemist, Nobel Prize laureate
Born
March 27th, 1847 178 years ago
Died
February 26th, 1931 94 years ago — 83 years old

A chemist and academic made significant contributions to the field of organic chemistry. The work focused extensively on terpenes and their derivatives. Conducted research that identified the structure and synthesis of various organic compounds. Earned the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1910 for these contributions to the study of alicyclic compounds.

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Gyula Farkas

Hungarian mathematician and physicist
Born
March 28th, 1847 178 years ago
Died
1930 95 years ago — 83 years old

Contributed significantly to mathematics and physics through research and publications. Focused on analytical mechanics, probability, and differential equations. Established theories that enhanced understanding in various mathematical fields. Served as a professor, educating future mathematicians and physicists.

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Yegor Ivanovich Zolotarev

Russian mathematician and theorist
Born
March 31st, 1847 178 years ago
Died
July 19th, 1878 146 years ago — 31 years old

Contributed significantly to number theory and algebra. Studied properties of quadratic forms and published influential works addressing the arithmetic of numbers. Worked on the theory of Dirichlet series and provided foundational insights into the distribution of prime numbers. Zolotarev's work on the theory of errors in measurements also garnered attention. His efforts laid groundwork for future advancements in mathematics.

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Hermann de Pourtalès

Swiss sailor and Olympic champion
Born
March 31st, 1847 178 years ago
Died
November 28th, 1904 120 years ago — 57 years old

Born in Switzerland, participated in sailing events during his athletic career. Competed in the 1900 Paris Olympics, where sailing was included for the first time. Achieved significant success, winning a gold medal in the 1 to 2 ton sailing class. Dedicated to the sport, contributed to the growth of competitive sailing in Switzerland, particularly in yacht racing.

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