What Happened This Year 1866

People Who Died in 1866

Nadezhda Durova

Russian soldier and first female Cossack
Born
September 17th, 1783 241 years ago
Died
1866 159 years ago — 83 years old

Born in 1783, served in the Russian Army disguised as a man. Fought in the Napoleonic Wars, displaying courage and resilience. Her military career spanned several years, during which she earned recognition among her peers. After her service, wrote memoirs detailing her experiences as a woman in a male-dominated environment. Her life and career challenged traditional gender roles of the time.

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Solomon Foot

American lawyer and politician
Born
November 19th, 1802 222 years ago
Died
1866 159 years ago — 64 years old

Graduated from Middlebury College and began practicing law in Vermont. Served in the Vermont State Legislature and held the position of U.S. Senator from Vermont from 1850 to 1853. Played a significant role in political discussions surrounding territorial expansion and was a member of the Republican Party during its formation. Appointed to the U.S. Senate following the resignation of another senator and contributed to legislative efforts during a turbulent period in American history.

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William Burton

Physician, 39th Governor of Delaware
Born
October 16th, 1789 235 years ago
Died
1866 159 years ago — 77 years old

Served as the 39th Governor of Delaware from 1861 to 1863. Worked as a physician before and during his political career. Took office amid the Civil War, focusing on issues related to public health and governance. After his term, remained active in state politics and contributed to the Democratic Party's strategies during a tumultuous period in American history.

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Jean Baptiste Charbonneau

Explorer of the American West and Louisiana
Born
February 11th, 1805 220 years ago
Died
1866 159 years ago — 61 years old

Born to a Shoshone mother and a French Canadian father, Charbonneau was brought up in the North American wilderness. He accompanied the Lewis and Clark Expedition as a guide and interpreter in 1804-1806, contributing valuable knowledge about the land and the indigenous peoples. After the expedition, he served as a fur trader and explored various parts of the West. Charbonneau later played a role in the Oregon Trail migration and helped settlers navigate to the Pacific Northwest.

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