What Happened This Year 1854

Born in 1854

Christiaan de Wet

South African general and politician
Born
1854 171 years ago
Died
February 3rd, 1922 103 years ago — 68 years old

A prominent figure in South African history, served as a general during the Second Boer War. Elected State President of the Orange Free State, played a significant role in the conflict and later in politics. After the war, worked on reconciliation and reconstruction efforts in the country. Authored several works detailing military strategies and experiences during the war, contributing to the historical record of the period. His leadership during wartime and subsequent political career helped shape the future of the region.

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John Riley Banister

American cowboy and police officer
Born
1854 171 years ago
Died
August 1st, 1918 106 years ago — 64 years old

A prominent figure in the Old West, Banister worked as a cowboy before transitioning to law enforcement. As a police officer, he served in various capacities including as a deputy sheriff, contributing to the establishment of order in the rapidly developing western territories. His career spanned several significant years during which he witnessed and participated in the cultural shifts of the American frontier.

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Petros Protopapadakis

Greek mathematician and Prime Minister
Born
1854 171 years ago
Died
November 15th, 1922 102 years ago — 68 years old

Served as the 107th Prime Minister of Greece. Contributed to the field of mathematics while also engaging in political activities. Held the office during a turbulent period in Greek history, addressing pressing national issues and forming government policies. Focused on modernization and economic challenges facing Greece.

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Flying Hawk

American warrior and historian
Born
1854 171 years ago
Died
December 24th, 1931 93 years ago — 77 years old

A member of the Sauk Tribe, contributed to the preservation of Native American culture and history. Served as a warrior and later became an educator, sharing knowledge of Native American traditions and heritage. Documented the experiences and narratives of his people, playing a pivotal role in historical accounts.

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Alphonse Desjardins

Canadian businessman and co-founder
Born
1854 171 years ago
Died
October 31st, 1920 104 years ago — 66 years old

Co-founded the first credit union in North America, facilitating accessible financial services for workers. Established the movement that spread cooperative banking across Canada. Promoted financial education and community development, influencing numerous financial institutions and policies. His work set the foundation for modern cooperative systems.

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Frank Bourne

British soldier, last Rorke's Drift survivor
Born
1854 171 years ago
Died
May 8th, 1945 79 years ago — 91 years old

Served as a soldier in the British Army during the Anglo-Zulu War. Fought at the Battle of Rorke's Drift in January 1879, a significant conflict in which British troops faced a larger Zulu force. Demonstrated exceptional bravery and skill in the defense of the post. Survived the battle and lived until 1945, becoming the last surviving participant of the event. Bourne's account of the battle contributed to historical understanding and remembrance of the conflict.

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Anatole von Hügel

Italian ethnologist and academic
Born
1854 171 years ago
Died
August 15th, 1928 96 years ago — 74 years old

An Italian ethnologist and academic contributed significantly to ethnographic studies and the understanding of various cultures. Co-founded St Edmund's College, Cambridge, which became a notable institution for higher education. Engaged in research that emphasized the importance of ethnology and its relevance to academic disciplines. Worked on various publications that detailed observations of cultures and societies, highlighting intricate aspects of ethnographic research. His efforts in academia fostered an environment for future scholars in the field.

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Samu Pecz

Architect and educator in Hungary
Born
1854 171 years ago
Died
September 1st, 1922 102 years ago — 68 years old

Contributed significantly to Hungarian architecture and education. Pecz specialized in neo-Romanesque and neo-Gothic styles, overseeing various notable projects. He educated numerous future architects and had a profound influence on architectural education in Hungary. His academic work included teaching at Budapest's Technical University, where he shaped the curriculum and direction of architectural training during a period of significant development in the field. Pecz's designs and theoretical contributions reflected the evolving architectural landscape in early 20th century Hungary.

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Hans Jæger

Norwegian philosopher and activist
Born
1854 171 years ago
Died
February 8th, 1910 115 years ago — 56 years old

A philosopher and activist, he played a significant role in the development of Norwegian modernism. Jæger's advocacy for personal freedom and social reform was reflected in his writings, particularly in the book 'Fra Christiana,' which explored themes of sexuality and individualism. He was a prominent figure in the Bohemian movement in Norway during the late 19th century, challenging societal norms and influencing progressive thought. Jæger's ideas contributed to the discourse on ethics and philosophy in Norwegian culture.

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