What Happened This Year 1850

Born in 1850

Richard Butler

Politician, 23rd Premier of South Australia
Born
December 3rd, 1850 174 years ago
Died
April 28th, 1925 100 years ago — 74 years old

Born in England, migrated to Australia and became a significant political figure in South Australia. Served as the 23rd Premier from 1890 to 1892, focusing on land reforms and education. His tenure included efforts to advance railway and infrastructure projects. Contributed to the development of various social policies.

Continue Reading

Emma Abbott

Soprano and actress, known for grand opera
Born
December 9th, 1850 174 years ago
Died
1891 134 years ago — 41 years old

A prominent American soprano and actress, earned acclaim in the 19th century for performances in various operatic roles. Achieved notable success with the Abbott Opera Company, which made significant contributions to American opera. Gained recognition for renditions of roles in operas such as "Lucia di Lammermoor" and "La Traviata." The soprano toured extensively, performing in major cities across the United States, and played a crucial role in popularizing opera in American culture.

Continue Reading

Zdeněk Fibich

Czech composer, known for Poem
Born
December 21st, 1850 174 years ago
Died
October 15th, 1900 124 years ago — 49 years old

A prominent Czech composer and poet, contributions spanned opera, symphonic, and chamber music. Major works include the opera 'Šárka' and the symphonic poem 'Poem', which showcased the lyrical qualities of the Czech musical landscape. Worked alongside musical circles in Prague, influencing the transition from Romanticism to early Modernism in Czech music. His compositions often integrated dramatic narratives and folkloric elements, reflecting contemporary trends and personal expression.

Continue Reading

Victoriano Huerta

Mexican military officer and president
Born
December 22nd, 1850 174 years ago
Died
January 13th, 1916 109 years ago — 65 years old

Served as a military officer before becoming president of Mexico in 1913. Assumed the presidency after orchestrating a coup against President Francisco I. Madero. His administration faced opposition from revolutionary leaders, leading to a period of unrest and conflict. Resigned in 1914 and went into exile in the United States. Died in 1916.

Continue Reading

Louis-Philippe Hébert

Canadian sculptor and artist
Born
1850 175 years ago
Died
June 13th, 1917 108 years ago — 67 years old

A significant Canadian sculptor active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Primarily worked in stone and bronze, creating numerous public monuments and memorials across Canada. Received formal training in art in Europe, which influenced the style and technique implemented in many outdoor and indoor installations. Notable for contributions to both Canadian art and the representation of Canadian heritage through sculpture, including creating a statue of Sir John A. Macdonald located at Parliament Hill.

Continue Reading

Rose Hartwick Thorpe

American poet and author
Born
1850 175 years ago
Died
July 19th, 1939 86 years ago — 89 years old

A prominent poet and author, credited with significant contributions to American literature. Gained recognition for the poem "Curfew Must Not Ring Tonight," which has been widely published and anthologized. Engaged in writing at a young age and saw many of her works published in various magazines and literary journals throughout her life. Served as a member of several literary societies and contributed to the advancement of poetic expression in her community.

Continue Reading

William Wallace Lincoln

Son of Abraham Lincoln
Born
1850 175 years ago
Died
February 20th, 1862 163 years ago — 12 years old

Born as the second son of the 16th President of the United States, a deeply loved figure within the Lincoln family. Suffered from poor health throughout childhood and faced significant challenges during the period of the Civil War. Died at a young age, leaving a profound sense of loss within the family amidst the tumultuous events of the time.

Continue Reading

Gregory VII of Constantinople

Patriarch of Constantinople, theologian
Born
1850 175 years ago
Died
November 17th, 1924 100 years ago — 74 years old

Served as the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople from 1923 until death in 1924. Advocated for church unity and addressed the challenges faced by the Orthodox Church in a changing political landscape. Focused on theological discussions and the relationship between the Orthodox and Catholic Churches. Attempted to promote dialogue and reconciliation among different Christian denominations.

Continue Reading

Laura E. Richards

American author and poet with notable works
Born
1850 175 years ago
Died
January 14th, 1943 82 years ago — 93 years old

An American author and poet contributed significantly to literature and women's rights. Worked alongside her mother, wrote extensively on topics ranging from children’s literature to poetry. Throughout a prolific career, published multiple books, essays, and poems. One of the notable works includes 'Martha's Vineyard: A Group of Towns', which reflects the engagement with local culture. Was active in advocating for women's suffrage and other social issues during her lifetime.

Continue Reading