What Happened This Year 1855

Born in 1855

August Spies

American journalist and labor activist
Born
1855 171 years ago
Died
November 11th, 1887 138 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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Ned Kelly

Australian bushranger and outlaw
Born
1855 171 years ago
Died
November 11th, 1880 145 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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George Bonnor

Cricketer notable for Test matches
Born
1855 171 years ago
Died
June 27th, 1912 113 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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Edwin Hall

Physicist and Hall effect discoverer
Born
1855 171 years ago
Died
November 20th, 1938 87 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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