What Happened This Year 1862

People Who Died in 1862

Joseph K. Mansfield

American general during the Civil War
Born
1803 222 years ago
Died
September 18th, 1862 162 years ago — 59 years old

Served as a Union general during the American Civil War. Participated in the First Battle of Bull Run and later took command of the 12th Corps. Commanded troops at the Battle of Antietam, where he was mortally wounded. His career in the military began in the United States Military Academy, from which he graduated and subsequently served in the Mexican-American War. Contributed to various engineering projects before the Civil War and was recognized for his leadership abilities.

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Frederick Townsend Ward

American soldier and sailor
Born
November 29th, 1831 193 years ago
Died
September 22nd, 1862 162 years ago — 30 years old

Served in the United States Navy and later in the American Civil War. Played a significant role as a soldier during conflicts in China, particularly during the Second Opium War. Commanded foreign troops for the Qing Dynasty and led efforts in various military engagements against Taiping rebels. His actions contributed to several key victories and established a reputation in both American and Chinese military history.

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William "Bull" Nelson

American General during the Civil War
Born
September 27th, 1824 200 years ago
Died
September 29th, 1862 162 years ago — 38 years old

Born in 1824, this American general served in the Union Army during the Civil War. He played a significant role in numerous battles, particularly in the Western Theater. He was appointed a brigadier general and commanded Union forces at the Battle of Shiloh, where his leadership contributed to the Union victory. His career was marked by service in various campaigns, and he became recognized for his aggressive tactics and ability to motivate troops. Tragically, he was assassinated by a subordinate in 1862, which cut short a promising military career.

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Bahadur Shah II

Mughal Emperor and last ruler
Born
1775 250 years ago
Died
November 7th, 1862 162 years ago — 87 years old

Ruled as the last Mughal emperor from 1837 until 1857. During the Indian Rebellion of 1857, played a symbolic role as a leader of the uprising against British colonial rule. After the suppression of the rebellion, was deposed by the British and exiled to Rangoon, Myanmar. The decline of the Mughal Empire marked significant shifts in the political landscape of India, transitioning the region into British control after centuries of Mughal rule.

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James Madison Porter

American lawyer and Secretary of War
Born
January 6th, 1793 232 years ago
Died
November 11th, 1862 162 years ago — 69 years old

Served as the 18th Secretary of War from 1841 to 1843. Held various political positions including serving as a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Contributed to military and defense policies during a time of national expansion and challenges. Played a significant role in the American political landscape during the early 19th century.

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Ludwig Uhland

German poet and philologist
Born
April 26th, 1787 238 years ago
Died
November 13th, 1862 162 years ago — 75 years old

Born in 1787, a notable poet, philologist, and historian contributed significantly to German literature and linguistic studies. His poetry, steeped in German folklore and themes of national identity, resonated with the romantic ideals of the time. Uhland served as a professor of German literature at the University of Tubingen and was influential in the early 19th-century literary scene. He also delved into the history and analysis of medieval German poetry, advancing philological methods. Additionally, he was involved in the political landscape of Germany, advocating for national unity and civil rights.

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Thomas Reade Rootes Cobb

American General and Political Figure
Born
1823 202 years ago
Died
December 13th, 1862 162 years ago — 39 years old

Served as a Confederate general during the American Civil War. Also worked as a lawyer and politician, representing Georgia in both the state legislature and the U.S. Congress. Contributed to the establishment of the Confederate States of America and played a role in various military engagements.

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Robert Knox

Surgeon and zoologist in Scotland
Born
1791 234 years ago
Died
December 20th, 1862 162 years ago — 71 years old

Served as a prominent surgeon and anatomist in Edinburgh, contributing to medical practices in the 19th century. Engaged in extensive research on human anatomy and animal physiology, leading to advancements in the understanding of both fields. Published several works, including 'The Races of Men,' which examined human diversity from a scientific perspective. Involved in the study of natural history and comparative anatomy, reflecting a keen interest in zoology. Participated in the controversy surrounding body snatching for anatomical studies.

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Giuseppe Montanelli

Italian statesman and author
Born
January 21st, 1813 212 years ago
Died
1862 163 years ago — 49 years old

Born in 1813, a prominent Italian statesman and journalist emerged as a significant figure in the Italian unification movement. After receiving a law degree, involvement in journalism began, contributing to various publications and advocating for liberal reform. Montanelli played a pivotal role in the early political landscape of Italy, aligning with influential figures in the struggle for unification. His literary contributions included works that discussed politics and national identity, establishing him as both a writer and a statesman. Exile followed after political conflicts, yet he continued to influence public opinion through his writings. A strong advocate for progressive ideals, Montanelli's legacy is intertwined with the development of Italy as a unified nation.

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