What Happened This Year 1865

People Who Died in 1865

Johann Franz Encke

German astronomer and academic
Born
September 23rd, 1791 233 years ago
Died
August 26th, 1865 159 years ago — 73 years old

Contributed significantly to the field of astronomy during the 19th century. Developed precise calculations for the orbits of comets, notably determining the orbit of the comet now known as Encke's Comet. Engaged in academic pursuits, holding a position at the Berlin Observatory where research and teaching took place. Contributed to celestial mechanics and influenced later astronomers.

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Thomas Chandler Haliburton

Canadian judge and politician
Born
December 17th, 1796 228 years ago
Died
August 27th, 1865 159 years ago — 68 years old

Served as a prominent judge and political figure in Canada during the 19th century. Held the position of a judge in Nova Scotia and played a significant role in the region's political landscape. Authored a series of humorous and satirical works that brought attention to social and political issues of the time, including the famous creation of the character Sam Slick. His writings contributed to the cultural discourse in Canada and offered insight into the era's societal norms.

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William Rowan Hamilton

Irish physicist and mathematician
Born
August 4th, 1805 219 years ago
Died
September 2nd, 1865 159 years ago — 60 years old

Born in 1805, made significant contributions to classical mechanics and optics. Developed Hamiltonian mechanics, which reformulated Newtonian mechanics. Introduced quaternions, which represented the extension of complex numbers to a four-dimensional space. Served as the Astronomical Observator at the Dunsink Observatory in Dublin. Published important works in mathematical physics and played a pivotal role in the development of modern algebra.

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Christophe Léon Louis Juchault de Lamoricière

French general and Minister of War
Born
September 5th, 1806 218 years ago
Died
September 11th, 1865 159 years ago — 59 years old

Born in 1806, a distinguished general and politician served as Minister of War in France. A significant figure in the French military during the mid-19th century, led numerous campaigns, notably in Algeria. Contributed to the conquests and consolidation of French control in the region. Was involved in political affairs post-military career, influencing military policy and governance. His legacy includes the introduction of key military reforms.

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Christian de Meza

Danish General and military leader
Born
January 14th, 1792 233 years ago
Died
September 16th, 1865 159 years ago — 73 years old

Born in 1792, held prominent military roles in Denmark during the early 19th century. Played a significant part in various campaigns, including the First Schleswig War. Advocated for military reforms and modernization in the Danish army, influencing strategic military developments in the nation. His leadership and tactical decisions were pivotal during moments of conflict, shaping military operations and outcomes. Contributed to the organizational improvements within the Danish military.

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Samuel David Luzzatto

Italian poet and scholar of Hebrew literature
Born
August 22nd, 1800 224 years ago
Died
September 30th, 1865 159 years ago — 65 years old

Born in 1800, this individual emerged as a prominent poet and scholar within the realm of Hebrew literature. Active during the 19th century, this figure contributed significantly to Jewish scholarship and the study of Hebrew language and poetry. Engaged with various literary forms, produced original poetry that expressed both religious themes and modern ideas. Participated in literary and cultural discussions of the time, thereby influencing contemporaries and future generations. Published works that included translations and critical studies, emphasizing the importance of Hebrew texts. Established a legacy in the academic and cultural arenas, shaping the study of Hebrew literature.

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Henry John Temple

Prime Minister of the UK, Viscount Palmerston
Born
October 20th, 1784 240 years ago
Died
October 18th, 1865 159 years ago — 80 years old

Born in 1784, this individual served as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom during the mid-19th century. A member of the Whig Party, held the office from 1855 to 1858 and again from 1859 until death in 1865. Actively participated in foreign policy during a time of significant global changes, including involvement in the Crimean War. Oversaw various domestic reforms and navigated the complexities of British imperial interests.

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Elizabeth Gaskell

English novelist and social critic
Born
September 29th, 1810 214 years ago
Died
November 12th, 1865 159 years ago — 55 years old

An English author wrote several novels and was a prominent social critic. Major works include 'Mary Barton', which addressed issues of class and labor, and 'North and South', exploring the industrial North and the agrarian South. 'Cranford' portrayed the lives of women in a small community. Engaged with themes of social justice, gender roles, and morality, contributions strengthened the understanding of Victorian society. Also authored biographies, including one of Charlotte Brontë, which added depth to literary history.

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James McCune Smith

African-American physician and author
Born
April 18th, 1813 211 years ago
Died
November 17th, 1865 159 years ago — 52 years old

Born in 1813, a pioneering African-American physician and apothecary practiced medicine in New York City. Received a medical degree from the University of Glasgow, becoming the first African American to earn a medical degree in the United States. Actively participated in abolitionist movements and published works addressing social issues, including healthcare disparities and racial inequality. Contributed significantly to the discourse on race and medicine in the 19th century.

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