What Happened This Year 1857

People Who Died in 1857

Karol Kurpiński

Polish composer and conductor
Born
March 6th, 1785 240 years ago
Died
September 18th, 1857 167 years ago — 72 years old

Born in 1785 in Poland, a composer and conductor contributed significantly to Polish music in the 19th century. Active in the operatic genre, works included notable operas that gained popularity in Warsaw. Served as a conductor for various theatrical productions and established a reputation for promoting Polish musical traditions. Involved in the education of young musicians, influencing the next generation of composers and performers through mentorship.

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George Washington Parke Custis

American author and playwright
Born
1781 244 years ago
Died
October 10th, 1857 167 years ago — 76 years old

An author and playwright with significant contributions to American literature during the 19th century. Played a major role in the promotion of the works of William Shakespeare in the United States. Established an estate in Arlington, Virginia known as Arlington House, which served as a memorial to George Washington. Actively engaged in building an appreciation of American history through storytelling and drama.

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Louis-Eugène Cavaignac

French general and 1848 head of state
Born
October 15th, 1802 222 years ago
Died
October 28th, 1857 167 years ago — 55 years old

Cavaignac served as a French general and politician during the 19th century. In 1848, he became the head of state of France following the February Revolution. His leadership was marked by his efforts to suppress the June Days uprising, a worker rebellion in Paris. Cavaignac implemented martial law and used military force to restore order, securing a brief period of stability in the government. Although he gained acclaim for his decisive action during this upheaval, he eventually lost the presidential election to Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte later that year, marking the decline of his political career.

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Joseph Freiherr von Eichendorff

German author and poet
Born
March 10th, 1788 237 years ago
Died
November 26th, 1857 167 years ago — 69 years old

A prominent novelist and poet of the Romantic movement in Germany, notable for evocative lyrical poetry and narrative prose. Authored the novel 'Auferstehung', which explored themes of nature, love, and the search for identity. Contributed significantly to German literature through rich symbolism and a deep attachment to the German landscape.

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Francis Beaufort

Irish hydrographer and Royal Navy officer
Born
May 27th, 1774 250 years ago
Died
December 17th, 1857 167 years ago — 83 years old

Contributed significantly to maritime navigation and meteorology. Developed the Beaufort Scale, which classifies wind strength based on observed sea conditions. Served in the Royal Navy and undertook various surveys, enhancing understanding of oceanography. His work laid the foundation for modern meteorological practices and navigational standards.

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Martin Lichtenstein

Physician and explorer in Africa
Born
January 10th, 1780 245 years ago
Died
1857 168 years ago — 77 years old

Born in Germany in 1780, contributed to the field of medicine and exploration. Conducted explorations in southern Africa, documenting flora, fauna, and indigenous cultures. Joined various expeditions, focusing on the regions around the Cape of Good Hope, and contributed significantly to the understanding of the area's geography and natural history. Established a reputation as a detailed observer and dutiful scientist.

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Johannes Bernardus van Bree

Dutch violinist and conductor
Born
January 29th, 1801 224 years ago
Died
1857 168 years ago — 56 years old

A prominent figure in the 19th century classical music scene, this musician excelled as a violinist, composer, and conductor. Active in both performance and orchestral leadership, he contributed to the development of music in the Netherlands. He held conducting positions with various orchestras, significantly enhancing their repertoire and performance quality. Not only did this individual compose several works, but they also played a crucial role in the promotion of chamber music.

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Achille Devéria

French painter and lithographer
Born
February 6th, 1800 225 years ago
Died
1857 168 years ago — 57 years old

Born in 1800, this painter and lithographer specialized in academic and romantic styles. His career spanned several decades during which he produced a significant body of work including portraits and illustrations. Devéria contributed to the art world with notable lithographs that depicted historical and mythological subjects. His artworks were marked by a combination of realism and imaginative settings, appealing to the tastes of his time. A prominent figure in French art, he was active in several artistic circles and engaged with the emerging lithographic medium.

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Josef Ressel

Inventor of the marine propeller
Born
June 29th, 1793 231 years ago
Died
1857 168 years ago — 64 years old

An inventor developed the modern marine propeller, significantly advancing naval technology. Ressel's design utilized a screw-like mechanism that allowed ships to achieve greater speeds and maneuverability in the water. This invention laid the groundwork for future advancements in maritime engineering. Ressel also worked on various other inventions and held several patents, but his contributions to propulsion technology remained the most impactful.

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