What Happened This Year 1854

Born in 1854

Herman Bavinck

Dutch theologian and philosopher
Born
December 13th, 1854 170 years ago
Died
1921 104 years ago — 67 years old

A prominent figure in the Reformed theological tradition, contributed significantly to systematic theology and philosophy. Bavinck's work emphasized the relationship between faith and reason. Authored the influential four-volume work, 'Reformed Dogmatics,' which serves as a critical resource for Reformed theology. Engaged in education as a professor in several institutions, including the Free University of Amsterdam, and participated in the public discourse on various theological issues, shaping the landscape of Protestant thought during the early 20th century.

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José Yves Limantour

Mexican Secretary of Finance
Born
December 26th, 1854 170 years ago
Died
1935 90 years ago — 81 years old

Served as Secretary of Finance in Mexico from 1893 to 1911. Played a key role in financial reform and modernization during the Porfirio Díaz era. Focused on fiscal policies that improved national revenue and attracted foreign investment. Advocated for economic stability which contributed to Mexico's growth in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

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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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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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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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Frank Bourne

British soldier, last Rorke's Drift survivor
Born
1854 171 years ago
Died
May 8th, 1945 80 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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Robert Borden

8th Prime Minister of Canada
Born
1854 171 years ago
Died
June 10th, 1937 88 years ago — 83 years old

Served as Canada's 8th Prime Minister from 1911 to 1920. Played a significant role during World War I, leading Canada to participate more actively in the war effort. Implemented the Military Service Act, introducing conscription. Oversaw the transition of Canada to a more autonomous nation within the British Empire, advocating for Canadian representation in international affairs. His government also saw the introduction of income tax as a temporary measure for war financing.

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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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