What Happened This Year 1864

People Who Died in 1864

Hamilton Rowan Gamble

American jurist and politician
Born
November 29th, 1798 226 years ago
Died
1864 161 years ago — 66 years old

Served as the 18th Governor of Missouri from 1864 to 1865 during the American Civil War. Gamble played a significant role in maintaining Missouri's loyalty to the Union and overseeing the state's reconstruction. Before his governorship, held positions such as a state senator and presiding judge of the Cole County Court. His contributions included legislative reforms aimed at improving governance and public welfare.

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John Putnam Chapin

Mayor of Chicago
Born
April 21st, 1810 214 years ago
Died
1864 161 years ago — 54 years old

Served as the 10th Mayor of Chicago from 1856 to 1857. Elected during a period of significant growth and development in the city. Implemented various administrative reforms aimed at improving city governance. Chapin's tenure was marked by efforts to enhance public services and infrastructure as Chicago continued to expand rapidly.

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Abraham Pineo Gesner

Canadian geologist, inventor of kerosene
Born
May 2nd, 1797 227 years ago
Died
1864 161 years ago — 67 years old

A physician and geologist, contributed significantly to the study of geology in Canada. Developed a process to distill kerosene from coal and oil shale, which led to its commercialization. His work in the mid-19th century laid the foundation for the modern petroleum industry. Also published several important geological works that contributed to the understanding of Canadian mineral resources.

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Otto Lindblad

Swedish composer known for choral works
Born
March 31st, 1809 215 years ago
Died
1864 161 years ago — 55 years old

A Swedish composer active during the 19th century contributed significantly to choral music. Studied at the Royal Academy of Music in Stockholm and became known for compositions that utilized folk elements. Served as conductor for various choirs and music ensembles, promoting choral music throughout Sweden. Received accolades for works that often incorporated traditional Swedish melodies and themes.

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Juan José Flores

Ecuador's first president and general
Born
July 19th, 1800 224 years ago
Died
1864 161 years ago — 64 years old

Born in 1800, a prominent general and politician, played a significant role in Ecuador's early political landscape. Served as the first President of Ecuador multiple times between 1830 and 1856. His leadership helped establish the nation's government and military structure during its formative years, navigating through the complexities of regional politics and aligning with liberal or conservative factions at different times. Contributed to the constitution and governance of Ecuador, focusing on stability and nation-building.

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Theodor Fliedner

German Lutheran minister and reformer
Born
January 21st, 1800 225 years ago
Died
1864 161 years ago — 64 years old

A Lutheran minister, dedicated to the establishment of the deaconess movement in Germany. Founded the first deaconess motherhouse in Kaiserwerth, which became a model for similar institutions. Emphasized the importance of education and social welfare, leading to the development of healthcare and educational initiatives. Worked extensively to improve the conditions of the poor and marginalized in society, advocating for the role of women in ministry and social work.

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Archduke Louis of Austria

Austrian Archduke and military leader
Born
December 13th, 1784 240 years ago
Died
1864 161 years ago — 80 years old

Born in 1784, an Archduke of Austria who served as a prominent military figure in the Austrian Empire. Played significant roles in various campaigns during the Napoleonic Wars. Held important commands and contributed to several military strategies aimed at countering French expansion. Also took part in post-war restoration efforts within the empire.

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Alaric Alexander Watts

English poet and journalist with notable works
Born
March 16th, 1797 227 years ago
Died
1864 161 years ago — 67 years old

Born in 1797, a poet and journalist contributed significantly to English literature. Involved in literary circles, published works in various periodicals and produced several poetry collections. Known for editing the 'Literary Gazette' and for his poetry. Combined literary endeavors with journalism, critiquing contemporary works and offering insights into literary trends of the time.

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Roger B. Taney

5th Chief Justice of the United States
Born
March 17th, 1777 247 years ago
Died
1864 161 years ago — 87 years old

Served as the 5th Chief Justice of the United States from 1836 to 1864. Authored the controversial Dred Scott v. Sandford decision in 1857, which ruled that African Americans could not be citizens and that Congress lacked the authority to prohibit slavery in U.S. territories. This decision heightened tensions leading up to the Civil War. Taney's tenure was marked by significant legal interpretations that influenced American law and governance.

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