What Happened This Year 1855

Born in 1855

Hermes Rodrigues da Fonseca

Brazilian president during WWI
Born
1855 170 years ago
Died
September 9th, 1923 101 years ago — 68 years old

Served as the President of Brazil from 1910 to 1914. Implemented significant reforms in Brazil's military and infrastructure. Modernized the Brazilian army and promoted nationalism. Faced challenges such as economic instability and political unrest during tenure. After presidency, continued to influence Brazilian politics.

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George Cope

American painter and muralist
Born
1855 170 years ago
Died
January 15th, 1929 96 years ago — 74 years old

This artist specialized in painting landscapes and portraits, often depicting scenes from nature with a focus on light and color. Active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, contributed works to major exhibitions and received recognition for artistic contributions. Worked closely with the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, influencing many contemporaries through both teaching and artistic output. Significant works include dramatic representations of rural and urban vistas.

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Emile Verhaeren

Belgian poet and playwright
Born
1855 170 years ago
Died
November 27th, 1916 108 years ago — 61 years old

A prominent Belgian poet and playwright, contributed significantly to French literature in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Explored themes of modernity, nature, and industrialization through poetic language. Wrote several acclaimed collections such as 'Les Villes tentaculaires', which examines urban life and its impact on humanity. Also authored 'Les Flammes', a work that reflects intense emotions and human experiences. His literary work garnered recognition across Europe, and he was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature multiple times.

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Fannie Barrier Williams

Educator and Civil Rights Activist
Born
1855 170 years ago
Died
March 4th, 1944 81 years ago — 89 years old

An American educator and activist, contributed significantly to education and civil rights for African Americans. Advocated for racial equality and women's rights throughout her career. Worked with organizations such as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the National Federation of Afro-American Women. Delivered lectures across the United States focusing on social justice, education reform, and the rights of African Americans. Served as the first African American woman to present at a national convention of a major political party.

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Edwin Hall

Physicist and Hall effect discoverer
Born
1855 170 years ago
Died
November 20th, 1938 86 years ago — 83 years old

Contributed significantly to the fields of physics and electricity. Developed the Hall effect, which describes the behavior of electric charges in a conductor subjected to a magnetic field. This phenomenon has important applications in solid-state physics and engineering. Served as a professor at Harvard University and published extensively on the properties of magnetic fields and electric currents. Made notable contributions to understanding the effects of magnetic fields on semiconductors.

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Albert F. Mummery

English mountaineer and author
Born
1855 170 years ago
Died
August 24th, 1895 129 years ago — 40 years old

An English mountaineer and author, recognized for pioneering climbs in the late 19th century. Focused on high-altitude ascents in the Alps and the Himalayas. Mummery authored several works on mountaineering, including "The High Alps in Winter" and is noted for his exploration of Nanga Parbat. His expeditions contributed significantly to the development of mountaineering as a sport.

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George Bonnor

Cricketer notable for Test matches
Born
1855 170 years ago
Died
June 27th, 1912 112 years ago — 57 years old

Played as a prominent cricketer for Australia during the late 19th century. Participated in the first Test series against England in 1877. Earned recognition as a formidable batsman and wicketkeeper, contributing significantly to the Australian side in early international cricket.

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Ned Kelly

Australian bushranger and outlaw
Born
1855 170 years ago
Died
November 11th, 1880 144 years ago — 25 years old

A prominent figure in Australian history, known for violent confrontations with law enforcement during the late 19th century. Operated as a bushranger in Victoria, leading his gang in a series of robberies and conflicts. Captured in 1880 after a final shootout at Glenrowan, the individual was tried and executed for murder. The legacy encompasses both infamy and a sense of folk hero status, deeply rooted in Australian culture.

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August Spies

American journalist and labor activist
Born
1855 170 years ago
Died
November 11th, 1887 137 years ago — 32 years old

Worked as a journalist and was a key figure in the labor movement in the United States. Played a significant role in organizing the Haymarket affair, which was a peaceful rally in support of workers striking for an eight-hour workday. Spies was arrested and later executed following a highly publicized trial, becoming a martyr for labor rights. Advocated for anarchism and socialism, contributing to various labor publications during his lifetime.

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