What Happened This Year 1861

People Who Died in 1861

Sylvester Jordan

Austrian-German lawyer and politician.
Born
December 30th, 1792 232 years ago
Died
April 15th, 1861 163 years ago — 68 years old

Graduated in law and practiced as a lawyer. Held significant political positions within the German Confederation. Contributed to legal and administrative reforms during the mid-19th century. Advocated for legal consistency and modernization in governance. Played a key role in legislative discussions and was involved in efforts promoting justice and legal equality.

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Ernst von Lasaulx

German philologist and politician
Born
March 16th, 1805 219 years ago
Died
May 9th, 1861 163 years ago — 56 years old

Born in 1805, a significant philologist and politician, primarily focused on the study and promotion of classical languages. Contributed extensively to the fields of linguistics and education in Germany. Engaged in political activities that advocated for educational reform and liberal policies during a time of social upheaval in Europe. Participated actively in various scholarly societies and published numerous works that explored the relationship between language, culture, and politics.

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John Stevens Henslow

English botanist and geologist
Born
February 6th, 1796 229 years ago
Died
May 16th, 1861 163 years ago — 65 years old

Contributed significantly to the field of botany and geology through extensive research and education. Served as a professor at the University of Cambridge, where teachings focused on systematic botany. Played a pivotal role in the scientific community by mentoring young naturalists, including Charles Darwin. Advocated for the establishment of botanical gardens and guided explorations in natural history.

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Elmer E. Ellsworth

American army officer and law clerk
Born
April 11th, 1837 187 years ago
Died
May 24th, 1861 163 years ago — 24 years old

Served as a significant figure in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Joined the military and quickly rose to prominence for leadership qualities and dedication. Established a reputation for organizing military units and overseeing training. Became the first officer to be killed in the Civil War, which garnered attention and raised awareness about the conflict. Before military service, worked as a law clerk and was involved in various legal activities.

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John Quincy Marr

American Civil War captain
Born
1825 200 years ago
Died
June 1st, 1861 163 years ago — 36 years old

Served as a captain in the Confederate Army during the American Civil War. Participated in the First Battle of Manassas where he led his unit into combat. Marr was killed in action, becoming one of the first Confederate officers to die in the war. His leadership during the early stages of the conflict exemplified the dedication of Southern military leaders.

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Stephen A. Douglas

American politician and educator
Born
April 23rd, 1813 211 years ago
Died
June 3rd, 1861 163 years ago — 48 years old

This individual served as the 7th Secretary of State of Illinois. Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, this individual later became a U.S. Senator from Illinois. Played a significant role in the politics of the 1850s, including advocacy for the expansion of slavery into the territories. Engaged in the historic Lincoln-Douglas debates in 1858 against Abraham Lincoln, which highlighted issues of slavery and states' rights. Also promoted the passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Act in 1854, which allowed territories to decide on the legality of slavery.

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Camillo Benso

Italian politician, 1st Prime Minister of Italy
Born
August 10th, 1810 214 years ago
Died
June 6th, 1861 163 years ago — 50 years old

A prominent Italian soldier and politician, served as the 1st Prime Minister of Italy. Played a crucial role in the unification of Italy during the 19th century. Instrumental in diplomatic negotiations and military strategies that led to the consolidation of the Italian states into a single nation. Emphasized modernization and economic development during tenure. His leadership significantly shaped the modern Italian political landscape.

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Patrick Brontë

Irish-English priest and author of poetry
Born
March 17th, 1777 247 years ago
Died
June 7th, 1861 163 years ago — 84 years old

A priest with a strong interest in literature, contributed significantly to the literary world through poetry and works that reflected on society and family. Authored several volumes of poetry, including 'The Cottage in the Wood' and 'On the Death of a Young Lady', demonstrating a thoughtful approach toward themes of nature and mortality. Additionally, served as a vicar in Haworth, England, where a familial literary legacy was cultivated through the notable works of his children, including Charlotte and Emily Brontë.

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Henry Gray

English anatomist and surgeon
Born
1827 198 years ago
Died
June 13th, 1861 163 years ago — 34 years old

Anatomist and surgeon contributed significantly to the understanding of human anatomy. Authored the seminal work 'Gray's Anatomy', a comprehensive textbook that became a primary reference for students and professionals alike. Served as a lecturer at St. George's Hospital Medical School, helping to educate many future physicians. Guided advances in anatomical knowledge and practices that influenced medical education.

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