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 150 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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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 146 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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Kick Kelly

Baseball player and manager
Born
1856 169 years ago
Died
March 27th, 1926 99 years ago — 70 years old

A prominent figure in early 20th century baseball, achieved success as both a player and manager. Played for the Chicago Cubs and the Philadelphia Phillies in Major League Baseball. Transitioned into a managerial role, guiding teams such as the Philadelphia Athletics. Also served as a home plate umpire during his career, contributing to the officiating side of the sport.

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William Wallace Denslow

Illustrator of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
Born
1856 169 years ago
Died
March 29th, 1915 110 years ago — 59 years old

An American illustrator and caricaturist, primarily recognized for the beloved illustrations in L. Frank Baum's 'The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.' Denslow's vibrant and imaginative artwork greatly contributed to the book's popularity and charm. In addition to 'The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,' he created illustrations for other works, including 'The Royal Book of Oz' and 'Denslow's Mother Goose.' His style combined whimsical elements with bold colors, making a lasting impression on children's literature. Throughout his career, Denslow worked on various projects, including advertising illustrations and theatrical productions, establishing himself as a prominent figure in American illustration during the early 20th century.

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Achille Locatelli

Roman Catholic cardinal and diplomat
Born
1856 169 years ago
Died
April 5th, 1935 90 years ago — 79 years old

Ordained as a priest, served in various roles within the Roman Catholic Church, including as a cardinal. Participated in the Second Vatican Council, contributing to significant church reforms. Engaged in diplomatic missions, representing the Vatican in multiple international discussions.

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