What Happened This Year 1865

People Who Died in 1865

Heinrich Barth

German explorer and African studies scholar
Born
February 16th, 1821 204 years ago
Died
November 25th, 1865 159 years ago — 44 years old

Conducted extensive explorations in North and West Africa during the 19th century. Barth embarked on a journey from Tripoli to Timbuktu, which lasted from 1850 to 1855. Through this expedition, valuable geographical, ethnographic, and linguistic knowledge was gathered, significantly contributing to the understanding of African cultures and geography. Barth published several works detailing his travels, including 'Travels and Discoveries in North and Central Africa'. His research greatly influenced European perspectives of Africa during that era.

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Abraham Emanuel Fröhlich

Swiss minister and poet
Born
February 1st, 1796 229 years ago
Died
December 1st, 1865 159 years ago — 69 years old

A Swiss minister, poet, and educator contributed significantly to literature and religious education in the 19th century. Active in various educational reforms, emphasized the importance of teaching and the integration of moral values into education. Wrote numerous poems reflecting themes of nature and spirituality, often embraced in Swiss literary circles. Served as a minister, engaging in community service and religious activities while promoting education as a transformative force in society.

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Leopold I of Belgium

Belgian King and constitutional monarch
Born
December 16th, 1790 234 years ago
Died
December 10th, 1865 159 years ago — 74 years old

Reigned as the first King of the Belgians from 1831 until death in 1865. Ascended the throne following Belgium's independence from the Netherlands. Established a constitutional monarchy, providing stability to the nation during its formative years. Engaged in diplomatic efforts to gain international recognition for Belgium's sovereignty and worked to modernize the country. Oversaw the establishment of various institutions and infrastructures, promoting trade and industry.

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Johan Georg Forchhammer

Danish mineralogist and geologist
Born
July 24th, 1794 231 years ago
Died
December 14th, 1865 159 years ago — 71 years old

Born in 1794, a primary figure in mineralogy and geology. Conducted extensive research on minerals and their compositions, providing foundational contributions to the field. Served as a professor at the University of Copenhagen, influencing future generations of geologists. Authored several key publications, including work on mineral classification and geological surveys of Denmark.

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Charles Lock Eastlake

English painter and art historian
Born
November 17th, 1793 231 years ago
Died
December 24th, 1865 159 years ago — 72 years old

A prominent figure in Victorian art, he specialized in landscape and historical painting. He served as the Director of the National Gallery in London from 1855 to 1865. Eastlake was also an influential art critic and wrote extensively on art and painting techniques. His writings contributed to the understanding and appreciation of various artists and movements during the 19th century. Notably, he made significant contributions to the critique of Old Masters and the promotion of contemporary British art. His approach to art history combined both academic rigor and accessible writing, impacting art education and appreciation.

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Andrés Bello

Venezuelan poet and philosopher
Born
November 29th, 1781 243 years ago
Died
1865 160 years ago — 84 years old

Born in Venezuela, a prominent poet and philosopher emerged during the early 19th century. His work in linguistics and education shaped the intellectual landscape of Latin America. Bello founded the Universidad Central de Venezuela and served as its first rector. He published the 'Gramática de la lengua castellana' which became a critical reference for Spanish language studies. His literary contributions include notable works of poetry, essays, and literary criticism, reflecting the cultural and philosophical currents of his time.

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Christian Jürgensen Thomsen

Danish antiquarian and archaeologist
Born
December 29th, 1788 236 years ago
Died
1865 160 years ago — 77 years old

A prominent Danish antiquarian and archaeologist, contributions included establishing the three-age system of prehistoric culture, which categorized stone, bronze, and iron ages. Served as curator at the National Museum of Denmark, where efforts focused on the collection and classification of archaeological finds. Published significant works that laid the foundation for modern archaeology, influencing subsequent studies and methodologies in the field. Played a crucial role in advancing understanding of prehistoric societies through systematic excavation and analysis of artifacts.

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Clementina Maude

Portrait photographer, Viscountess Hawarden
Born
June 1st, 1822 203 years ago
Died
1865 160 years ago — 43 years old

Born in 1822, a prominent English portrait photographer. Focused on portraits, capturing the likenesses of family, friends, and domestic life. Worked primarily with collodion wet plates, gaining recognition for the quality and emotional depth of the images. Contributed significantly to the early development of photography as an art form in the Victorian era. Exhibited widely and became an influential figure in the photographic community, particularly known for intimate and softly lit images showcasing her subjects.

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Joseph Paxton

Gardener and architect, designed The Crystal Palace
Born
August 3rd, 1803 222 years ago
Died
1865 160 years ago — 62 years old

An English gardener and architect, best known for designing The Crystal Palace, a massive glass and iron structure built for the 1851 Great Exhibition in London. This innovative design showcased the potential of industrial materials and construction techniques. Paxton's background as a gardener informed his approach to integrating natural elements within architectural spaces. His work on The Crystal Palace set a precedent for future architectural projects and influenced the design of similar structures worldwide. Beyond The Crystal Palace, also served as a Member of Parliament, demonstrating a commitment to public service and civic engagement. His contributions have had lasting significance within the fields of architecture and horticulture.

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