What Happened This Year 1856

People Who Died in 1856

James Gates Percival

American poet and geologist
Born
September 15th, 1795 229 years ago
Died
May 2nd, 1856 168 years ago — 60 years old

Recognized for contributions to poetry and geology, this individual authored significant works such as 'Tales of the Heart' and 'The Dream of the Earth.' His poetic style often integrated themes from nature and science. As a geologist, served as the first state geologist of Wisconsin, contributing to geological surveys and mapping of the region. Held a degree in medicine and practiced surgery while engaging in literary pursuits.

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Louis-Étienne Saint-Denis

Servant to Napoleon I
Born
1788 237 years ago
Died
May 3rd, 1856 168 years ago — 68 years old

Served as a prominent servant to Napoleon I, providing assistance and support during his military campaigns. Accompanied Napoleon during key moments, including the exiles to Elba and Saint Helena. His experiences and insights offered valuable perspectives on the socio-political climate of the time. After Napoleon's death, continued to share insights into the leader's life and persona, contributing to historical understanding of this significant period.

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Adolphe Adam

French composer of ballet music
Born
July 24th, 1803 221 years ago
Died
May 3rd, 1856 168 years ago — 52 years old

A prominent French composer, contributed significantly to the world of ballet and opera in the 19th century. Composed the well-known ballet Giselle, which premiered in 1841, showcasing the Romantic style of the era. Also wrote the score for the opera Le Postillon de Lonjumeau, which enjoyed considerable success. Worked as a music critic and published articles on various musical topics, enhancing the understanding of music during his time. Held a position at the Paris Conservatoire where he influenced upcoming musicians.

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Jacques Philippe Marie Binet

Mathematician and physicist; Binet's theorem
Born
February 2nd, 1786 239 years ago
Died
May 12th, 1856 168 years ago — 70 years old

Born in France in 1786, Binet contributed significantly to mathematics, physics, and astronomy. His work in mathematics included the formulation of Binet's theorem, which provides a closed-form expression for Fibonacci numbers. Binet also conducted research in optics and the dynamics of celestial bodies, publishing numerous papers that advanced the understanding of these fields. His interest in astronomy led to the development of more precise methods for calculating planetary orbits. Throughout his career, Binet's interdisciplinary approach combined rigorous mathematical analysis with practical applications in physics and astronomy.

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Ivan Kireyevsky

Russian philosopher and critic of literature
Born
1806 219 years ago
Died
June 23rd, 1856 168 years ago — 50 years old

Contributed significantly to Russian philosophy and literature criticism during the 19th century. Advocated for the connection between Russian culture and its national identity. Engaged in debates on the role of literature within society, emphasizing the importance of spirituality and moral themes in literature. Played a crucial role in the Slavophil intellectual movement, which sought to promote traditional Russian values.

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Max Stirner

German philosopher and author of 'The Ego and His Own'
Born
October 25th, 1806 218 years ago
Died
June 26th, 1856 168 years ago — 49 years old

Born in 1806, a prominent German philosopher focused on individualism and anarchism. Authored 'The Ego and His Own' in 1844, which explored the concept of the self and the rejection of societal norms. His work influenced existentialist thinkers and anarchist movements, challenging traditional philosophical ideas about identity and society.

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Amedeo Avogadro

Italian physicist and chemist, Avogadro's Law
Born
August 9th, 1776 248 years ago
Died
July 9th, 1856 168 years ago — 79 years old

Amedeo Avogadro contributed significantly to the field of molecular theory and chemistry. Born in Italy, he formulated Avogadro's Law, which states that equal volumes of gases, at the same temperature and pressure, contain an equal number of molecules. This principle played a crucial role in the development of modern atomic theory. He also introduced the concept of the mole, establishing a connection between the number of particles in a substance and its mass. His work laid the groundwork for future discoveries in physical chemistry and molecular science.

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James Strang

Religious leader and politician
Born
1813 212 years ago
Died
July 9th, 1856 168 years ago — 43 years old

A religious leader and politician, this individual founded the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Strangite) after breaking away from the main branch of the Mormon church. He served as the self-proclaimed king of a short-lived kingdom in Wisconsin and advocated for the settlement of Latter Day Saints in that region. His leadership included attempts to gain recognition and legitimacy for his religious community, engaging in various political endeavors.

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Edward Vernon Utterson

English lawyer and historian focused on law
Born
1775 250 years ago
Died
July 14th, 1856 168 years ago — 81 years old

An English lawyer and historian, played a significant role in the legal and historical fields in the 19th century. Work included a detailed study of legal documents and the histories surrounding them, particularly in connection to notable legal figures and events. Authored various texts to elucidate historical and legal matters. Contributed to the understanding of historical legal practices and is remembered for meticulous research and analysis in his publications.

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