What Happened This Year 1872

People Who Died in 1872

Margaret Sarah Carpenter

English painter of portraits and genres
Born
1793 232 years ago
Died
November 13th, 1872 152 years ago — 79 years old

An English painter specialized in portraiture and genre scenes. Worked extensively in the early to mid-19th century, contributing to the art scene in England. Authored multiple portraits of notable individuals, showcasing exceptional skill with color and light. Promoted women's contributions to the arts during a time when opportunities were limited.

Continue Reading

Pavel Kiselyov

Russian general and politician
Born
January 19th, 1788 237 years ago
Died
November 26th, 1872 152 years ago — 84 years old

Born in 1788, a prominent general and politician in Russia, contributed to military reforms and served in various key administrative roles. Played a significant part in the governance of several provinces and held influential positions in the military and government. A noted advocate for the establishment of local self-government in the Russian Empire, also participated in the Decembrist movement, which aimed to modernize the state structure. Cited for efforts in military policy and governance that aimed at strengthening state authority.

Continue Reading

Mary Somerville

Scottish mathematician and astronomer
Born
December 26th, 1780 244 years ago
Died
November 29th, 1872 152 years ago — 91 years old

Born in 1780, contributions to mathematics and astronomy included significant works on celestial mechanics and mathematical analysis. Authored several influential books that popularized scientific concepts. She played a pivotal role in advocating for women's education in science. Her most notable work, 'Physical Geography', provided insights into physical sciences, while 'On the Connexion of the Physical Sciences' effectively bridged multiple scientific disciplines. Involved in the scientific community, she was a member of the Royal Astronomical Society.

Continue Reading

Kamehameha V of Hawaii

King of Hawaii, last monarch of Kamehameha line
Born
December 11th, 1830 194 years ago
Died
December 11th, 1872 152 years ago — 42 years old

Ascended the throne in 1863 as the fifth monarch of the Kamehameha dynasty. His reign emphasized Hawaiian nationalism and cultural traditions. Undertook efforts to draft a new constitution aimed at increasing the power of the monarchy. During the political turbulence of the 19th century, he faced opposition from foreign interests and local factions. Kamehameha V ruled until 1872 and was the last monarch of the Kamehameha dynasty before the establishment of a republic, which concluded the Hawaiian monarchy.

Continue Reading

William John Macquorn Rankine

Scottish physicist and engineer with Rankine cycle
Born
July 5th, 1820 204 years ago
Died
December 24th, 1872 152 years ago — 52 years old

Contributions included work in thermodynamics, particularly the formulation of the Rankine cycle, which assesses the efficiency of heat engines. Developed concepts in the area of civil engineering and made significant strides in the understanding of energy and its transformations. Authored several influential texts that laid the groundwork for modern thermodynamic principles and provided a comprehensive theory of heat engines. Rankine's work bridged the gap between physics and engineering, fostering advancements in both fields.

Continue Reading

James Van Ness

American politician, 7th Mayor of San Francisco
Born
1808 217 years ago
Died
December 28th, 1872 152 years ago — 64 years old

Served as the 7th Mayor of San Francisco from 1855 to 1856. Contributed to the city's development during a period of significant growth and change. Engaged in various civic improvements and led efforts to enhance infrastructure. Worked as a lawyer prior to entering politics, helping to shape local legislation.

Continue Reading

Aleksis Kivi

Finnish author and playwright - Seven Brothers
Born
October 10th, 1834 190 years ago
Died
December 31st, 1872 152 years ago — 38 years old

An influential Finnish author and playwright, this individual wrote primarily in Finnish, contributing significantly to Finnish literature. Best recognized for the classic novel 'Seven Brothers', the work is notable for its depiction of rural life and the Finnish identity. This writer also penned several plays, such as 'Kullervo' and 'The Finnish Girl', which explored themes of folklore and societal issues. Through these writings, the use of the Finnish language in literature gained momentum during a time when the language was underrepresented.

Continue Reading

Edward James Roye

5th President of Liberia
Born
February 3rd, 1815 210 years ago
Died
1872 153 years ago — 57 years old

Elected as the fifth president of Liberia, served from 1870 until 1871. His administration focused on economic development and agricultural growth amidst political challenges. Roye's tenure was marked by conflict with opposition groups, leading to his eventual overthrow. Following his presidency, he faced exile due to political opposition.

Continue Reading

Henry Halleck

American general and military strategist
Born
January 16th, 1815 210 years ago
Died
1872 153 years ago — 57 years old

A prominent Union general during the American Civil War, Halleck served as General-in-Chief of the Union Army. Born in 1815, he graduated from West Point and initially worked as a civil engineer before dedicating efforts to military service. He played a crucial role in the early stages of the war, known for his strategic planning at battles such as Shiloh and Corinth. Following his military career, he served as the President of the California Military Academy and wrote extensively on military strategy and tactics. His contributions to military literature have been referenced in various contexts.

Continue Reading