What Happened This Year 1858

Born in 1858

Kate Booth

Salvation Army officer, advocate for social reform
Born
September 18th, 1858 166 years ago
Died
1955 70 years ago — 97 years old

Born in 1858, a prominent officer in the Salvation Army, dedicated to social reform and helping the marginalized. Actively engaged in fundraising efforts and established numerous initiatives to assist the poor and destitute. Contributed to the expansion of the Salvation Army's work in various communities, emphasizing the importance of faith in action. Played a significant role in advocating for women's rights within the organization, striving to enhance the status of women in society.

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Eugene Foss

American politician and governor
Born
September 24th, 1858 166 years ago
Died
1939 86 years ago — 81 years old

Served as the 45th Governor of Massachusetts from 1911 to 1912. Engaged in several business ventures before entering politics. Advocated for labor laws and unemployment insurance. Held multiple positions within the state government, contributing to various legislative efforts during tenure.

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Eleonora Duse

Italian actress in theatre
Born
October 3rd, 1858 166 years ago
Died
April 21st, 1924 100 years ago — 65 years old

An influential actress in the realm of theatre during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Duse became a prominent figure in the naturalistic movement in acting, emphasizing emotional realism and depth in performances. She achieved great acclaim for her performances in various plays, particularly those written by Italian playwright Luigi Pirandello and others. Her style influenced many actors and her work paved the way for modern acting techniques. Extensive tours across Europe and the United States showcased her talent, establishing her as a leading actress of her time. Duse’s contributions to theatrical arts continue to be recognized for their innovation.

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Léon Serpollet

Businessman and inventor of the steam car
Born
October 4th, 1858 166 years ago
Died
February 1st, 1907 118 years ago — 48 years old

A significant figure in the automotive industry, Serpollet developed successful steam-powered vehicles in the late 19th century. His work led to the creation of the first commercial steam car, which gained attention for its performance. The innovative designs contributed to the early development of automobiles and showcased the potential of steam power in transportation.

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Helen Churchill Candee

American journalist and author of novels
Born
October 5th, 1858 166 years ago
Died
August 23rd, 1949 75 years ago — 90 years old

Born in 1858, a prominent American journalist and author contributed to the literary and cultural landscape through various publications. Many articles featured travel writing, reflecting experiences in Europe and insights into the lives of women. Notable works included novels and essays that highlighted societal issues of the time. Candee was also an advocate for women's rights, participating in suffrage movements and using her platform to promote women's education and independence. Her writings often explored themes of personal freedom and the roles of women in society.

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Mihajlo Pupin

Physicist, inventor of the Pupin coil
Born
October 9th, 1858 166 years ago
Died
March 12th, 1935 90 years ago — 76 years old

Born in Serbia, Pupin emigrated to the United States, where he studied at Columbia University and earned a PhD in physics. He contributed significantly to telecommunications technology, particularly in the area of long-distance telephony. His most notable invention, the Pupin coil, enhanced the transmission of telephone signals over long distances. Pupin held numerous patents and was recognized for his scientific contributions, receiving the Edison Medal in 1920. He also served as a professor at Columbia University, influencing future generations of scientists. In addition to his scientific work, he was involved in educational and cultural exchanges between the USA and Serbia.

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Maurice Prendergast

American painter of watercolors
Born
October 10th, 1858 166 years ago
Died
February 1st, 1924 101 years ago — 65 years old

An American painter active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, focused primarily on watercolor and oil paintings. Played a significant role in the development of American Impressionism. His work is characterized by vibrant colors and capturing everyday scenes, often depicting landscapes and leisure activities in urban settings. Influenced by French artists and known for a unique style that merged Impressionist techniques with American themes. Exhibited extensively in various art venues, contributing to the rise of modern art in America.

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John L. Sullivan

Boxer, heavyweight champion titleholder
Born
October 15th, 1858 166 years ago
Died
February 2nd, 1918 107 years ago — 59 years old

Pioneered the sport of boxing as its first recognized heavyweight champion. Dominated the ring in the late 19th century with raw power and charisma, becoming a national figure. Engaged in the first recorded boxing match under modern rules in 1884, showcasing skill and endurance. His victory over James J. Corbett in 1892 marked a significant moment in boxing history, solidifying his status as a legend in the sport. Promoted the popularity of boxing and became a cultural icon of his time, embodying the spirit of the American masculine ideal.

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George Albert Boulenger

Zoologist and botanist, published works
Born
October 19th, 1858 166 years ago
Died
November 23rd, 1937 87 years ago — 79 years old

Born in Belgium and later becoming a British citizen, a prominent zoologist and botanist specialized in the study of amphibians and reptiles. Boulenger worked at the Natural History Museum in London, contributing extensively to herpetology. Authored numerous scientific papers and books, including a comprehensive catalog of the reptiles and amphibians of Africa. His research significantly advanced the knowledge in these fields, and he described many new species.

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