What Happened This Year 1865
People Who Died in 1865
Evangelos Zappas
Born in 1800, a Greek patriot and businessman contributed significantly to national causes and the revival of the Olympic Games. Zappas funded the first modern Olympic Games in Athens in 1859. His wealth, amassed through various enterprises, was used extensively for the betterment of Greece, including the establishment of schools and public infrastructure. Zappas was pivotal in promoting Greek independence and preserving cultural heritage, leaving a lasting legacy through philanthropic efforts.
Continue ReadingFrances Adeline Seward
Wife of William H. Seward, served as a political partner throughout his career. Actively supported Seward's work as Secretary of State under President Abraham Lincoln, particularly during the Civil War. Engaged in social and political advocacy, including issues related to abolition. Managed the family's estate in New York while contributing to public discourse through her letters and writings. Remained a significant figure in her own right, influencing her husband's policies through her correspondence and guidance.
Continue ReadingDavid Herold
Served as a Confederate operative during the American Civil War. Notably associated with John Wilkes Booth, participated in the conspiracy that led to the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. After the assassination, fled along with Booth but was captured shortly thereafter. Tried and executed for involvement in the plot, becoming a notable figure in the historical narrative surrounding Lincoln's assassination.
Continue ReadingGeorge Atzerodt
Involved in the conspiracy to assassinate President Abraham Lincoln, which occurred on April 14, 1865. Atzerodt was tasked with killing Vice President Andrew Johnson but failed to carry out the plot. Following the assassination of Lincoln, Atzerodt was captured and tried. He was sentenced to death and hanged on July 7, 1865, as part of the broader effort to prosecute those involved in the conspiracy.
Continue ReadingMary Surratt
Surratt operated a boarding house in Washington, D.C., where John Wilkes Booth and other conspirators planned the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. Following Lincoln's assassination on April 14, 1865, Surratt was arrested and tried by a military commission. The trial included testimonies from several key witnesses and was highly publicized. Surratt's defense claimed that she was unaware of the conspiracy, but the commission found her guilty. She was executed on July 7, 1865, becoming the first woman to be executed by the federal government in the United States.
Continue ReadingLewis Payne
Active during the American Civil War, participated in a plot to assassinate government officials. Collaborated with others in a conspiracy to eliminate key leaders of the Union, including President Abraham Lincoln. Following the assassination of Lincoln, was captured, tried, and convicted for involvement in the conspiracy. Executed by hanging in 1865 at the age of 21.
Continue ReadingJames Barry
A British Army officer served as a military surgeon, recognized for contributions to medical practice in the 19th century. Achieved the rank of Inspector General of Hospitals and played a significant role in improving medical care for soldiers. Conducted surgeries in challenging conditions during the Crimean War, which garnered attention for the quality of care provided. Also known for advocating for women's rights in medicine.
Continue ReadingWilliam Jackson Hooker
An English botanist and academic, this individual made significant contributions to the study of plant taxonomy and floristics. Serving as the director of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, the work included extensive research and documentation of plant species. The publication of 'The Flora of British India' compiled detailed accounts of the flora in the region, facilitating a better understanding of plant diversity and classification. Engaged in various botanical expeditions, this individual also established a network of collaboration among botanists, which further advanced botanical sciences in the mid-19th century.
Continue ReadingIgnaz Semmelweis
A Hungarian-Austrian physician and obstetrician developed the practice of hand washing to prevent puerperal fever in maternity wards. Worked at Vienna General Hospital, where discovered that the incidence of infection could be drastically reduced by instructing staff to wash their hands with chlorinated lime. Faced significant resistance from his contemporaries, who were skeptical of his findings. Despite the challenges, his theories laid the groundwork for modern antiseptic procedures in medicine.
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