What Happened This Year 1873

People Who Died in 1873

Francis Garnier

French captain and explorer of Asia
Born
July 25th, 1839 185 years ago
Died
December 21st, 1873 151 years ago — 34 years old

Born in 1839, a French captain and explorer, undertook significant exploratory missions in Southeast Asia. Led expeditions along the Mekong River, documenting geography and indigenous cultures. Participated in military actions in the Second French Empire's colonial campaigns. Contributed to cartography and geographic knowledge of the region, providing valuable insights during a period of colonial expansion. Met his end in 1873 during a military engagement in Tonkin, leaving a legacy as a prominent figure in French exploration.

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Johns Hopkins

Philanthropist, Founder of Johns Hopkins University
Born
May 19th, 1795 229 years ago
Died
December 24th, 1873 151 years ago — 78 years old

A businessman and philanthropist established a university and hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. After amassing significant wealth through the wholesale mercantile business, dedicated a substantial portion of the fortune to charitable causes. The university, founded in 1876, became the first in the United States to implement a graduate school. Also contributed to the establishment of the Johns Hopkins Hospital, recognized as a pioneer in medical education and research.

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Alexander Berry

Scottish surgeon and explorer
Born
November 30th, 1781 243 years ago
Died
1873 152 years ago — 92 years old

Born in 1781, a Scottish surgeon and explorer settled in Australia in the early 19th century. Engaged in medical practice and established a successful career as a merchant. Participated in expeditions that contributed to the mapping and exploration of New South Wales. Instrumental in the establishment of agricultural settlements along the southern coast. His contributions to the community included involvement in land development and the promotion of agriculture.

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Georg Amadeus Carl Friedrich Naumann

Mineralogist and geologist; studied minerals
Born
May 30th, 1797 227 years ago
Died
1873 152 years ago — 76 years old

Contributed significantly to the fields of mineralogy and geology. Developed comprehensive classifications of minerals based on crystal systems and physical properties. Published works on geological surveys in various regions of Germany, providing foundational insights into the geology of Saxony. Engaged in numerous expeditions to study rock formations and mineral deposits, thereby enhancing understanding of geological structures.

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Sarah Moore Grimké

American author and abolitionist
Born
November 26th, 1792 232 years ago
Died
1873 152 years ago — 81 years old

An American author and abolitionist, played a significant role in the early women’s rights movement and the abolitionist cause. Contributed to anti-slavery literature through writings and speeches, advocating for the emancipation of enslaved people. Collaborated with her sister, Angelina Grimké, in efforts to promote social justice and equality. Published works include 'Letters on the Equality of the Sexes and the Condition of Woman', which argued for women's rights and education.

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William Holmes McGuffey

American author of McGuffey Readers
Born
September 23rd, 1800 224 years ago
Died
1873 152 years ago — 73 years old

An American author and academic, McGuffey played a significant role in the education sector during the 19th century. He developed the McGuffey Readers, a series of educational textbooks, which became widely adopted in schools across the United States. These readers were instrumental in teaching literacy and moral values to generations of American children. As a professor and later president of a college, McGuffey contributed to higher education as well. His works reflected the educational philosophies of his time and helped standardize reading materials.

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R. E. B. Baylor

American politician and jurist
Born
May 10th, 1793 231 years ago
Died
1873 152 years ago — 80 years old

Served as a soldier in the War of 1812. Held the position of Secretary of State for the Republic of Texas and later became a significant figure in Texas law and governance. Contributed to the establishment of the Texas judiciary system and played a key role in shaping legal frameworks in the state. Also held the role of a judge in various capacities throughout his career.

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Alexander Keith

Brewer and Mayor of Halifax
Born
October 5th, 1795 229 years ago
Died
1873 152 years ago — 78 years old

A Scottish-Canadian brewer and politician served as the 13th Mayor of Halifax. Established a successful brewery that became widely recognized in the region. Advocated for the growth of the local economy and the development of Halifax as a key urban center. His contributions extended beyond brewing, engaging actively in civic matters that shaped the community.

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Matthew Fontaine Maury

Oceanographer and chart maker
Born
January 14th, 1806 219 years ago
Died
1873 152 years ago — 67 years old

An American astronomer, oceanographer, and historian, contributed significantly to the understanding of ocean currents and marine meteorology. His work led to the first comprehensive oceanographic charts, which improved navigation and maritime safety. Maury served in the U.S. Navy and became a prominent advocate for oceanography as a science, establishing the U.S. Naval Observatory and the U.S. Naval Academy's Department of Mathematics. His publications, particularly 'The Physical Geography of the Sea,' garnered widespread recognition and were foundational in the field of oceanography.

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