What Happened This Year 1862

People Who Died in 1862

William Wallace Lincoln

Son of Abraham Lincoln
Born
1850 175 years ago
Died
February 20th, 1862 163 years ago — 12 years old

Born as the second son of the 16th President of the United States, a deeply loved figure within the Lincoln family. Suffered from poor health throughout childhood and faced significant challenges during the period of the Civil War. Died at a young age, leaving a profound sense of loss within the family amidst the tumultuous events of the time.

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Justinus Kerner

German poet and physician.
Born
September 18th, 1786 238 years ago
Died
February 21st, 1862 163 years ago — 75 years old

Contributions included poetry that explored themes of love, life, and nature, blending literary art with medical insights. Kerner also conducted research on various medical conditions and was an advocate for the treatment of mental illnesses. His works encompassed both healing and art, reflecting his dual career as a physician and a poet. His poetry often integrated elements of folklore and nature, making it resonate with the cultural landscape of his time.

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Peter Barlow

Mathematician and physicist, Barlow's wheel
Born
1776 249 years ago
Died
March 1st, 1862 163 years ago — 86 years old

Significant contributions to mathematics and physics occurred throughout the career. Developed Barlow's wheel, a device that demonstrated principles of rotary motion and was an important milestone in the study of mechanics. Authored several influential texts on mathematical analysis, including works on calculus and optics. Served as a professor at the Royal Military Academy, influencing future generations of engineers and scientists. His work laid foundational concepts still relevant in modern physics and engineering disciplines.

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Manuel Robles Pezuela

Unconstitutional interim president of Mexico
Born
May 23rd, 1817 207 years ago
Died
March 23rd, 1862 162 years ago — 44 years old

Served as the interim president of Mexico from 1858 to 1859 during a challenging period marked by political instability and conflict. Faced opposition from various factions within the country, including the liberals and conservatives. His presidency was characterized by attempts to establish order, yet it was ultimately regarded as unconstitutional. The political atmosphere during this time saw significant turmoil, which influenced the governance and future leadership of Mexico. Robles Pezuela's time in office ended with his resignation, leading to further changes in the government structure in the country.

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Uriah P. Levy

American naval commander and reformer
Born
1792 233 years ago
Died
March 26th, 1862 162 years ago — 70 years old

Served in the United States Navy, notably achieving the rank of commodore. Advocated for the rights of Jewish Americans, becoming the first Jewish officer to command a warship in the U.S. Navy. Played a significant role in naval operations during the Mexican-American War and the Civil War. Commanded the USS Plymouth and was a key figure in efforts that led to significant naval reforms during his service.

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Barend Cornelis Koekkoek

Dutch landscape painter and lithographer
Born
1803 222 years ago
Died
April 5th, 1862 162 years ago — 59 years old

A prominent figure in 19th-century Dutch painting, focused on romantic landscapes. His works often depicted serene natural settings, highlighting the beauty of the Dutch countryside. Influenced by earlier romantic movements, employed a meticulous painting style characterized by detailed brushwork and an attentive use of light. Also engaged in lithography, contributing to the accessibility of art during that era. Koekkoek's studio became a hub for aspiring artists, shaping the next generation of landscape painters in the Netherlands.

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Albert Sidney Johnston

American general during the Civil War
Born
February 2nd, 1803 222 years ago
Died
April 6th, 1862 162 years ago — 59 years old

Served as a general in the Confederate Army during the American Civil War. Held the position of a senior commander in the Western Theater. Commanded Confederate forces at the Battle of Shiloh, where he was killed in action. His leadership and military strategies were influential in early battles of the war.

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Henry David Thoreau

American essayist and philosopher
Born
July 12th, 1817 207 years ago
Died
May 6th, 1862 162 years ago — 44 years old

An essayist, poet, and philosopher, this individual is recognized for his reflections on nature and society. The work 'Walden' documents a two-year experiment in simple living in natural surroundings, emphasizing self-sufficiency and introspection. 'Civil Disobedience' highlights the individual's moral duty to resist unjust laws. These writings contributed to the development of environmentalism and social reform movements.

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Edward Gibbon Wakefield

English politician and colonization advocate
Born
March 20th, 1796 228 years ago
Died
May 16th, 1862 162 years ago — 66 years old

Contributed significantly to theories of colonization and land settlement. Advocated for systematic colonization in the 19th century, promoting the establishment of new colonies under direct government control. Instrumental in the founding of South Australia, which emphasized free settlement and the sale of land. Known for principles that aimed at balancing land availability with labor supply to create prosperous communities.

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