What Happened This Year 1856

Born in 1856

Pud Galvin

Baseball player and manager
Born
December 25th, 1856 168 years ago
Died
1902 123 years ago — 46 years old

A prominent figure in 19th-century baseball, this individual played as a pitcher and later took on managerial roles. His career spanned from 1875 to 1892, during which he became the first pitcher to win 300 games in Major League Baseball. Active in several teams, including the Buffalo Bisons and the Pittsburgh Pirates, he demonstrated significant skill on the mound. Transitioning to management, he contributed to the development of the sport during its early years.

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12th Dalai Lama

Religious leader and spiritual figure
Born
December 28th, 1856 168 years ago
Died
April 25th, 1875 149 years ago — 18 years old

The 12th Dalai Lama served as a prominent spiritual leader in Tibetan Buddhism. Significant contributions included advocating for peace, compassion, and the promotion of Tibetan culture and religion. Ascending to leadership at a young age, the Dalai Lama engaged in various political and spiritual matters for Tibet, representing the Tibetan people during challenging periods. The Dalai Lama's teachings emphasized the importance of compassion, loving-kindness, and unity among diverse communities.

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Woodrow Wilson

28th President of the United States
Born
December 28th, 1856 168 years ago
Died
February 3rd, 1924 101 years ago — 67 years old

Influential historian and academic held the presidency from 1913 to 1921. Led the nation through World War I, advocating for a League of Nations in the post-war period. Championed reforms including the Federal Reserve Act and the Clayton Antitrust Act, which reshaped the American economic landscape. Received the Nobel Prize in Peace in 1919 for efforts in promoting peace and diplomacy. His leadership established a significant legacy in both domestic and foreign policy.

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Thomas Joannes Stieltjes

Mathematician known for Stieltjes integral
Born
December 29th, 1856 168 years ago
Died
December 31st, 1894 130 years ago — 38 years old

A mathematician with significant contributions to analysis and the theory of functions, Stieltjes worked extensively on integration and provided a generalization of the Riemann integral, now known as the Stieltjes integral. This framework facilitates the integration process for functions that are not easily handled by traditional methods. Additionally, his work on continued fractions helped advance the field of number theory. Stieltjes held academic positions in both his native Netherlands and France, influencing the study of mathematics in both countries.

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Ashwini Kumar Dutta

Indian educator and philanthropist
Born
1856 169 years ago
Died
November 7th, 1923 101 years ago — 67 years old

An educator and philanthropist contributed significantly to the advancement of education in India. Founded the Kolkata-based Vidyasagar College and played a key role in the development of the educational infrastructure. Involved in various philanthropic efforts aimed at improving literacy and accessibility to education for underprivileged communities. Worked in promoting higher education for women during a time of societal challenges.

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Mehmet Nadir

Turkish mathematician and academic
Born
1856 169 years ago
Died
December 13th, 1927 97 years ago — 71 years old

Contributed significantly to the field of mathematics in the early 20th century. Engaged in academic activities and published works that enhanced mathematical understanding in Turkey. Focused on various mathematical theories and applications, influencing future generations of mathematicians. Held positions in educational institutions, advocating for improved mathematics education.

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Maurycy Gottlieb

Ukrainian-Polish painter of Jewish themes
Born
1856 169 years ago
Died
July 17th, 1879 145 years ago — 23 years old

A prominent painter, born in 1856, studied in Kraków and later in Paris, where influences of Impressionism shaped his style. Focused on Jewish subjects, he depicted depth and emotion through his art. Important works include 'The Wailing Wall' and 'Jews at Prayer'. His career, though brief due to an early death at age 23, left a notable mark on Polish religious art. His paintings often reflected the integration of Jewish identity in the context of broader cultural narratives.

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Louis Gustave Binger

French general and explorer
Born
1856 169 years ago
Died
November 10th, 1936 88 years ago — 80 years old

Acquired significant knowledge about West Africa through exploration, particularly in the regions now known as Côte d'Ivoire and Mali. Served as a military officer before embarking on exploratory missions that contributed to the understanding and mapping of the area during the late 19th century. Played a key role in French colonial expansion in West Africa, and his works provided valuable insights into local cultures, geography, and resources.

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Lizette Woodworth Reese

American poet and author of 'A Quiet Road'
Born
1856 169 years ago
Died
December 17th, 1935 89 years ago — 79 years old

A significant American poet active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Her poetry was characterized by its lyrical quality and addressed themes of nature and humanity. Reese published several volumes of poetry, with 'A Quiet Road' being one of her most recognized works. In addition to poetry, she wrote essays and short stories, contributing to various publications of her time. Reese also served as an educator, imparting her knowledge and love for literature to her students, influencing the literary culture of her community.

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