What Happened This Year 1857

People Who Died in 1857

George Cayley

Engineer and aviation pioneer
Born
December 27th, 1773 251 years ago
Died
1857 168 years ago — 84 years old

Contributions to aeronautics included the development of the concept of the airplane as a heavier-than-air powered vehicle. Authored influential works detailing principles of flight and created designs for various aircraft. Constructed the first successful manned flight in history with a glider in 1853. Served as a member of Parliament, contributing to civil engineering and local governance.

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Manuel Oribe

Uruguayan soldier and politician, 4th President
Born
August 26th, 1792 232 years ago
Died
1857 168 years ago — 65 years old

Served as the 4th President of Uruguay from 1835 to 1838 and again from 1843 to 1851. Played a significant role in early Uruguayan politics and military affairs. Participated in the civil wars that shaped the nation, particularly the conflicts between the Colorado and Blanco parties. Led forces in the War of the Pacific and faced challenges from rival factions within the country.

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Victoire de Donnissan de La Rochejaquelein

French memoirist of the Vendée War
Born
October 25th, 1772 252 years ago
Died
1857 168 years ago — 85 years old

Born in 1772, a prominent figure during the French Revolutionary Wars. Wrote memoirs detailing experiences and perspectives of the Royalist uprising in the Vendée region against Republican forces. Her writings reflected the hardships and events faced during this tumultuous period. Memoirs provided a unique female perspective on the chaos of war and the struggles of loyalty amidst conflict, capturing the complexity of her role and that of others.

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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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Henry Havelock

British general during Indian Rebellion
Born
April 5th, 1795 229 years ago
Died
1857 168 years ago — 62 years old

Born in 1795, a British general served in the British East India Company’s army. Played a pivotal role in the Indian Rebellion of 1857, particularly during the relief of the besieged British garrison in Lucknow. Demonstrated strategic military skills and leadership during this critical conflict. Achieved the rank of major-general and recognized for administrative capabilities as well.

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Ours-Pierre-Armand Petit-Dufrénoy

French geologist and mineralogist
Born
September 5th, 1792 232 years ago
Died
1857 168 years ago — 65 years old

Contributed significantly to the fields of geology and mineralogy. Developed a comprehensive classification system for minerals. Participated in geological surveys of France, enhancing knowledge of local geology. Published works on various mineralogical studies, contributing to academic discourse.

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Princess Mary

Duchess of Gloucester and Edinburgh
Born
April 25th, 1776 248 years ago
Died
1857 168 years ago — 81 years old

Born in 1776, the Duchess of Gloucester and Edinburgh served as a prominent member of the British royal family. As the daughter of King George III and Queen Charlotte, she held significant royal status and was involved in various court activities. Throughout her life, she maintained a close relationship with her siblings and took part in charitable efforts, supporting various causes associated with the royal family. Her marriage to Prince William Henry, Duke of Gloucester, further solidified her position within the aristocracy. She resided at various royal estates, becoming a respected figure within her social circles.

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Dominic Savio

Italian Catholic saint and student
Born
April 2nd, 1842 182 years ago
Died
1857 168 years ago — 15 years old

An Italian Catholic saint lived during the 19th century. Became a student of Saint John Bosco and demonstrated a deep commitment to faith and morality from a young age. Formed a group called the 'Moral Association' to promote virtuous living among peers. Died at the age of 14, and his brief life was marked by a dedication to God and education. Canonized in 1954, he is venerated in the Catholic Church.

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Abraham Jacob van der Aa

Dutch author and academic, wrote encyclopedias
Born
December 7th, 1792 232 years ago
Died
1857 168 years ago — 65 years old

An author and academic who contributed significantly to the field of literature and reference works. Focused on Dutch history and culture, producing extensive writings that shed light on various subjects. Notable for writing multi-volume encyclopedias and historical texts which have served as resources for scholars and readers. The works addressed the importance of regional history and provided comprehensive overviews of notable figures and events within the Netherlands.

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