What Happened This Year 1864

Born in 1864

William O'Connor

American fencer, Olympic medalist
Born
May 23rd, 1864 160 years ago
Died
1939 86 years ago — 75 years old

Born in 1864, a prominent American fencer who competed at the turn of the 20th century. Represented the United States in multiple international competitions and achieved significant success in the sport. Competing primarily in foil and sabre events, secured a bronze medal at the 1900 Summer Olympics held in Paris. Contributed to the development and popularity of fencing in America through participation and leadership in various fencing organizations.

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Ransom E. Olds

Automobile pioneer and manufacturer
Born
June 3rd, 1864 160 years ago
Died
1950 75 years ago — 86 years old

Born in 1864, this individual significantly contributed to the automotive industry by founding one of the first mass-production automobile companies in the United States. Established the Oldsmobile brand, which introduced assembly line techniques to car manufacturing. Later founded the REO Motor Car Company, producing several popular models throughout the early 20th century. His innovations in manufacturing processes helped shape the future of automobile production.

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Otto Erich Hartleben

German poet and playwright, 'Die Totenleuchte'
Born
June 3rd, 1864 160 years ago
Died
1905 120 years ago — 41 years old

Born in Germany in 1864, this individual contributed significantly to German literature as both a poet and a playwright. His work encompassed themes of love, death, and existentialism, often reflecting the complexities of human emotion. He was associated with the Symbolist movement, which influenced his distinctive style. One of the notable works includes the play 'Die Totenleuchte', recognized for its exploration of haunting themes. Throughout the career, various poems and plays were published, solidifying a place in German literary history.

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Jeanne Bérangère

French actress in theater and film
Born
June 9th, 1864 160 years ago
Died
November 19th, 1928 96 years ago — 64 years old

An accomplished actress who gained recognition in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Worked extensively in French theater, showcasing talent in various productions. Starred in several silent films, contributing to the early cinematic landscape. Celebrated for performances that captivated audiences during a transformative era in the arts.

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Ninian Comper

Scottish architect, St. Mary's Cathedral
Born
June 10th, 1864 160 years ago
Died
December 22nd, 1960 64 years ago — 96 years old

Graduated from the Glasgow School of Art. Worked in London before returning to Scotland. Designed numerous churches and ecclesiastical buildings in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. St. Mary's Cathedral in Edinburgh is among the most prominent examples of Gothic Revival architecture. His architectural work blended traditional styles with personal interpretations.

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Richard Strauss

German composer and conductor
Born
June 11th, 1864 160 years ago
Died
September 8th, 1949 75 years ago — 85 years old

Significant contributions to classical music occurred through composing orchestral and operatic works. Major operas include 'Salome,' 'Elektra,' and 'Der Rosenkavalier.' Conducted renowned orchestras such as the Vienna Philharmonic and the Berlin Philharmonic. Explored the transition from late Romanticism to early modernism in music, influencing 20th-century composers.

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Frank Chapman

Ornithologist and author of key texts
Born
June 12th, 1864 160 years ago
Died
November 15th, 1945 79 years ago — 81 years old

An American ornithologist, photographer, and author contributed significantly to the study of birds and their habitats. Efforts involved extensive field research and the promotion of bird conservation. Chapman served as curator of birds at the American Museum of Natural History. Publications include significant works such as 'The Bird-Lore' magazine and 'The Handbook of Birds of Eastern North America', providing comprehensive guides for bird identification. Chapman was a founding member of the Audubon Society, advocating for the protection of birds and their environments.

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Rudolf Kjellén

Political Scientist and Academic
Born
June 13th, 1864 160 years ago
Died
1922 103 years ago — 58 years old

Served as a prominent Swedish political scientist and academic, contributing significantly to political theory and nationalism. Developed the concept of 'geopolitics' which examines the influence of geographic factors on international politics. Influenced Swedish political discourse in the early 20th century, focusing on the relationship between state and territory. Kjellén’s work gained recognition for merging political science with geographical analysis, establishing foundational ideas in the study of state behaviors.

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Dwight B. Waldo

Historian and academic specializing in public administration
Born
June 13th, 1864 160 years ago
Died
October 29th, 1939 85 years ago — 75 years old

An American historian and scholar, focused on the field of public administration. Contributed significantly to the theoretical foundations of the discipline. Played a crucial role in shaping modern administrative theory and practice. Served as a professor and authored multiple influential texts on public administration. His insights and analyses provided a framework for understanding governance and bureaucracy in the 20th century. Engaged deeply with the social responsibilities of public service, emphasizing the importance of democratic governance and ethical leadership.

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