What Happened This Year 1856

Born in 1856

Pud Galvin

Baseball player and manager
Born
December 25th, 1856 169 years ago
Died
1902 124 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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Woodrow Wilson

28th President of the United States
Born
December 28th, 1856 169 years ago
Died
February 3rd, 1924 102 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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12th Dalai Lama

Religious leader and spiritual figure
Born
December 28th, 1856 169 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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Thomas Joannes Stieltjes

Mathematician known for Stieltjes integral
Born
December 29th, 1856 169 years ago
Died
December 31st, 1894 131 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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Donát Bánki

Hungarian engineer with carburetor invention
Born
1856 170 years ago
Died
August 1st, 1922 103 years ago — 66 years old

An engineer, inventor, and educator contributed significantly to the field of mechanical engineering. Developed the Bánki carburetor, which improved the efficiency of internal combustion engines. Conducted research in gas engines and thermodynamics, advocating for precision engineering in Hungary's industrial development. Held various academic positions and influenced the education of future engineers through teaching and publications.

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Mahmud Shevket Pasha

Ottoman general and Grand Vizier
Born
1856 170 years ago
Died
June 11th, 1913 112 years ago — 57 years old

Served as an Ottoman general and politician, holding the position of the 279th Grand Vizier of the Ottoman Empire. Achieved notoriety for his military leadership and reforms during a turbulent period in Ottoman history. Played a significant role in the 1912-1913 Balkan Wars, leading campaigns to restore territorial integrity. Assassinated in 1913, his tenure was marked by attempts to modernize the military and administration of the empire.

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Heber J. Grant

Religious leader, President of LDS Church
Born
1856 170 years ago
Died
May 14th, 1945 80 years ago — 89 years old

Served as the 7th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1918 until death in 1945. Focused on welfare programs and international missionary work, emphasizing self-reliance and education among church members. During presidency, oversaw significant developments in church infrastructure and the construction of temples, including the Salt Lake Temple's renovations. Played a critical role in expanding church membership and presence globally.

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Mohammed Abdullah Hassan

Leader of the Dervish movement
Born
1856 170 years ago
Died
December 21st, 1920 105 years ago — 64 years old

A prominent leader of the Dervish movement, played a significant role in the resistance against British colonization in Somalia. Established the Dervish state in the early 20th century, which operated as a form of governance amidst the colonial struggle. Advocated for Somali nationalism and Islamic revival while engaging in military campaigns against British and Italian forces. His leadership was marked by efforts to unify various Somali clans under Islamic principles and resist foreign domination until his demise in 1920.

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R. C. Lehmann

English journalist and politician leading reforms
Born
1856 170 years ago
Died
January 22nd, 1929 97 years ago — 73 years old

English journalist, author, and politician contributed to various publications and engaged in political discourse. Played a significant role in fostering discussions on social reform and political issues during the early 20th century. Wrote extensively on topics ranging from politics to social conditions in England. Served as a Member of Parliament and was involved in legislative actions that aimed to address pressing societal challenges.

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