What Happened This Year 1862

Born in 1862

Matthew Nathan

English soldier and Queensland Governor
Born
January 3rd, 1862 163 years ago
Died
1939 86 years ago — 77 years old

Served as a British Army officer and later became the 13th Governor of Queensland from 1904 to 1908. Oversaw various administrative duties and contributed to the development of the region during a time of growth. His tenure involved addressing issues related to land administration and public welfare, enhancing the governance framework in Queensland.

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Frank Nelson Doubleday

American publisher and founder of Doubleday
Born
January 8th, 1862 163 years ago
Died
January 30th, 1934 91 years ago — 72 years old

A prominent American publisher, founded Doubleday Publishing Company in 1897, which became one of the most recognized publishing firms in the United States. Played a significant role in publishing numerous bestsellers, including works by writers such as Ernest Hemingway and Stephen King. Oversaw the launch of a variety of genres, helping to shape the literary landscape of the 20th century. Served as the president of the American Booksellers Association and held leadership roles in various industry organizations.

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Carrie Derick

Canadian botanist and geneticist
Born
January 14th, 1862 163 years ago
Died
November 10th, 1941 83 years ago — 79 years old

Specialized in plant genetics and contributed significantly to the understanding of heredity and hybridization in plants. Assisted in establishing the McGill University botanical garden. Pioneered the study of plant biology and genetics in Canada, influencing the fields of agriculture and horticulture.

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David Hilbert

Mathematician known for Hilbert's problems
Born
January 23rd, 1862 163 years ago
Died
February 14th, 1943 82 years ago — 81 years old

A prominent German mathematician contributed significantly to various fields of mathematics. Developed Hilbert's problems, a set of 23 unsolved problems that shaped future research in mathematics. Formulated important concepts in algebra, geometry, and mathematical logic. Hilbert's work on formalism in mathematics provided a foundation for the development of mathematical proofs. Served as a professor at the University of Göttingen, influencing many students and mathematicians during his career.

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Frank Shuman

American inventor of solar energy systems
Born
January 23rd, 1862 163 years ago
Died
1918 107 years ago — 56 years old

An inventor and engineer contributed significantly to renewable energy through pioneering solar technology. Developed the first solar steam engine, which utilized sunlight to produce energy. Designed solar power plants and advocated for solar energy as a viable alternative to fossil fuels. Involved in large-scale solar power projects, demonstrating the potential of capturing solar energy for practical use.

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Edith Wharton

Novelist and short story writer, The Age of Innocence
Born
January 24th, 1862 163 years ago
Died
August 11th, 1937 87 years ago — 75 years old

Born in 1862, this American novelist and short story writer focused on the lives and morals of the American upper class during the Gilded Age. The career began with publishing poetry and short stories in magazines. A significant work, The Age of Innocence, was published in 1920, earning the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1921. The writing often explored themes of societal constraints and the complexities of human relationships. Other notable works include Ethan Frome and The House of Mirth. In addition to fiction, the writer also authored several works on architecture and design, reflecting a deep interest in aestheticism.

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Frederick Delius

English composer of orchestral music
Born
January 29th, 1862 163 years ago
Died
June 10th, 1934 90 years ago — 72 years old

Born in 1862, this English composer rose to prominence in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Delius created a distinctive musical style, blending elements of impressionism and pastoral themes. After spending time in Florida, the composer's works often reflected the American landscape and atmosphere. His orchestral piece, 'On Hearing the First Cuckoo in Spring,' is widely recognized and showcases his lyrical approach to composition. Delius gained acclaim in Europe, particularly through the advocacy of conductor Thomas Beecham, who brought many of his works to the concert stage, resulting in greater international recognition.

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Walter Damrosch

Conductor and composer of classical music
Born
January 30th, 1862 163 years ago
Died
1950 75 years ago — 88 years old

Born in 1862, a prominent conductor and composer emerged within the American classical music scene. Studied in Europe before immigrating to the United States, where significant contributions were made to music education and composition. Served as conductor of the New York Symphony and conducted the New York Philharmonic. Founded the Damrosch School of Music, contributing to the development of music programs in the country. Composed various orchestral works and operas, with 'Cyrano de Bergerac' being among the most notable.

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Émile Coste

French fencer and Olympic champion
Born
February 2nd, 1862 163 years ago
Died
1927 98 years ago — 65 years old

Competed in fencing disciplines and achieved notable success at international competitions. Played a prominent role in the development of modern fencing techniques. Became an Olympic gold medalist at the 1900 Paris Olympics, contributing to the popularity of the sport in France and beyond.

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