What Happened This Year 1856

People Who Died in 1856

Robert Schumann

Composer of Romantic piano music
Born
June 8th, 1810 214 years ago
Died
July 29th, 1856 168 years ago — 46 years old

A 19th-century composer and music critic, created significant contributions to the Romantic era of music. He founded the 'Neue Zeitschrift für Musik', which celebrated new music and composers. Schumann composed numerous works, including symphonies, piano pieces, and chamber music. Notable pieces include 'Carnaval', 'Kinderszenen', and 'Dichterliebe'. Schumann faced personal struggles, including mental health issues, which influenced his later works. His music emphasizes lyrical melodies and emotional depth.

Continue Reading

Mary Anne Schimmelpenninck

English author and activist
Born
November 25th, 1778 246 years ago
Died
August 29th, 1856 168 years ago — 77 years old

An English author and activist focused on social reform and children's education. Authored several works including 'Letters to My Children' which discussed educational practices and moral development. Engaged in philanthropic efforts, founding schools and advocating for the improvement of children's welfare. Actively involved in the women's rights movement and contributed to discussions on suffrage and education reform throughout her life.

Continue Reading

Gilbert Abbott à Beckett

English journalist and author of comedies
Born
January 9th, 1811 214 years ago
Died
August 30th, 1856 168 years ago — 45 years old

A prominent English journalist and author, played a significant role in the development of comedic literature in the 19th century. Contributed to 'Punch' magazine, where witty observations and satire flourished. Wrote several successful plays, with 'The Lost Chick' as one of the more recognized works. Engaged in various literary projects throughout a prolific career in journalism, blending humor with commentary on societal issues.

Continue Reading

William Sprague III

American lawyer and 14th Governor of Rhode Island
Born
November 3rd, 1799 225 years ago
Died
October 19th, 1856 168 years ago — 56 years old

Served as the 14th Governor of Rhode Island from 1860 to 1863. Practiced law after studying at Yale College. Contributed to the establishment of various state institutions. Participated in the state government during the Civil War period.

Continue Reading

Paul Delaroche

French painter known for historical works
Born
July 17th, 1797 227 years ago
Died
November 4th, 1856 168 years ago — 59 years old

Born in France in 1797, this painter was prominent in the 19th century for his historical and academic art. He studied at the École des Beaux-Arts and won acclaim for his masterful use of color and detail in large-scale history paintings. His works often depicted poignant historical moments, blending dramatic storytelling with realism. One of the most notable works is "The Execution of Lady Jane Grey," which exemplifies his ability to evoke emotion through composition. Delaroche also contributed to the academic art scene, influencing future generations of artists. He was a member of the Académie des Beaux-Arts and served as a professor at the École des Beaux-Arts, shaping the direction of French painting during his lifetime until his death in 1856.

Continue Reading

Farkas Bolyai

Hungarian mathematician and academic
Born
February 9th, 1775 250 years ago
Died
November 20th, 1856 168 years ago — 81 years old

Contributed significantly to the development of non-Euclidean geometry. Established mathematical theories alongside his son, János Bolyai. Served as a professor at the University of Marosvásárhely. Published works that laid foundational insights for later mathematical advancements, influencing both geometry and philosophy of mathematics.

Continue Reading

Theobald Mathew

Temperance movement leader in Ireland
Born
1790 235 years ago
Died
December 8th, 1856 168 years ago — 66 years old

A prominent Irish social reformer led the temperance movement in the 19th century. Established the Irish Total Abstinence Society in 1838, advocating for alcohol prohibition. Promoted temperance through speeches, pamphlets, and personal example. Played a significant role in the social reform movements of the time, aiming to reduce the impact of alcohol on society.

Continue Reading

Francesco Bentivegna

Italian rebel leader and activist
Born
March 4th, 1820 205 years ago
Died
December 20th, 1856 168 years ago — 36 years old

Born in 1820, a prominent figure in the Italian unification movement, served as a leader of revolutionary actions in Sicily. Worked alongside Giuseppe Garibaldi during critical uprisings. Participated in the Sicilian revolution against the Bourbon monarchy, which sought to consolidate Italian independence. His engagements were characterized by military campaigns aimed at liberating Sicily from foreign rule. Faced significant challenges and opposition throughout the uprisings, with fluctuating levels of success that ultimately influenced the course of the unification.

Continue Reading

Thomasine Christine Gyllembourg-Ehrensvärd

Danish author with notable novels
Born
November 9th, 1773 251 years ago
Died
1856 169 years ago — 83 years old

Born in 1773, an author produced significant literary works that contributed to Danish literature in the 19th century. Active in a male-dominated literary field, produced novels and stories that explored themes of love, morality, and social issues. Engaged in the cultural and intellectual circles of Denmark, formed connections with other writers and thinkers of the era. Writings reflected personal experiences and societal observations.

Continue Reading