What Happened This Year 1874

Born in 1874

Gilbert Jessop

English cricketer and soldier
Born
May 19th, 1874 150 years ago
Died
May 11th, 1955 69 years ago — 80 years old

A prominent cricketer and soldier, played for Gloucestershire from 1894 to 1913. Achieved a reputation as a hard-hitting batsman and an exceptional fielder. Represented England in international matches, contributing significantly to the team's efforts during the early 1900s. Served in World War I, where military service took precedence over cricketing pursuits.

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Daniel François Malan

South African Prime Minister
Born
May 22nd, 1874 150 years ago
Died
February 7th, 1959 66 years ago — 84 years old

A South African minister and politician served as Prime Minister from 1948 to 1954. Played a significant role in the establishment of apartheid policies during his tenure. Held office during a period of intense political change and faced both domestic and international criticism regarding the system he supported. After leaving office, continued to be involved in South African politics until retirement.

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Princess Marie of Hesse and by Rhine

Royalty and Queen consort of Denmark
Born
May 24th, 1874 150 years ago
Died
November 16th, 1878 146 years ago — 4 years old

Born into the German nobility, the individual became Queen of Denmark through marriage to King Christian IX. Played a significant role in the Danish royal family, contributing to its cultural and social life. Mothered several children who established ties across European royal houses. The individual also engaged in charitable causes during her lifetime, reflecting a commitment to social issues prevalent in Denmark during the 19th century. Passed away at a relatively young age.

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G. K. Chesterton

Essayist and playwright
Born
May 29th, 1874 150 years ago
Died
June 14th, 1936 88 years ago — 62 years old

An English essayist, poet, and playwright contributed significantly to early 20th-century literature. Worked as a journalist, providing cultural criticism and commentary through various publications. Developed a distinctive writing style characterized by wit and paradox. Achieved recognition for creating the detective character Father Brown, who featured in numerous short stories and novels. Published influential works, including 'Orthodoxy' and 'The Everlasting Man', which discussed topics of faith and philosophy. Participated actively in debates on social issues and contributed to discussions on religion, politics, and art.

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Ernest Duchesne

French physician and pioneer of antibiotics
Born
May 30th, 1874 150 years ago
Died
1912 113 years ago — 38 years old

A physician, researcher contributed to early antibiotic discovery. During medical studies, identified the antibacterial properties of certain fungi, establishing foundations for later antibiotic development. Published work highlighted potential of using penicillium molds to combat bacterial infections, predating the work of contemporaries. Later recognized posthumously for pioneering contributions to medicine.

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Launceston Elliot

Scottish weightlifter and wrestler
Born
June 9th, 1874 150 years ago
Died
August 8th, 1930 94 years ago — 56 years old

Competed in weightlifting and wrestling during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Achieved recognition as a prominent figure in these sports, particularly in the lightweight category. Participated in the 1908 London Olympic Games, where weightlifting was included for the first time. Also engaged in professional wrestling, contributing to the popularity of the sport in the UK during that era.

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Arthur Meighen

Canadian politician, 9th Prime Minister
Born
June 16th, 1874 150 years ago
Died
August 5th, 1960 64 years ago — 86 years old

Served as the 9th Prime Minister of Canada, leading the country in two terms during the early 20th century. First term lasted from 1920 to 1921, followed by a second term in 1926. Contributed to the Conservative Party's policies and was involved in key legislation during tenure. Worked as a lawyer before entering politics, advocating for various issues impacting Canadian citizens.

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Peder Oluf Pedersen

Danish physicist known for photometry
Born
June 19th, 1874 150 years ago
Died
August 30th, 1941 83 years ago — 67 years old

Contributed significantly to the fields of physics and engineering. Developed the concept of photometry, which measures the intensity of light in relation to human vision. Worked on the establishment of measurement standards in Denmark and contributed to the development of various measuring instruments. Engaged in several scientific societies and communicated findings through numerous publications.

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Rose O'Neill

Cartoonist and illustrator of Kewpies
Born
June 25th, 1874 150 years ago
Died
April 6th, 1944 81 years ago — 69 years old

An American cartoonist, illustrator, artist, and writer, O'Neill gained significant recognition for creating the Kewpie characters, which became highly popular in the early 20th century. The whimsical designs led to various merchandise and adaptations in different media. O'Neill also contributed to the feminist movement through her work, advocating for women's rights and suffrage. O'Neill was a prominent figure in the Bohemian arts community of New York City, where she engaged with leading literary and artistic talents of the period. Her contributions extended beyond art, fostering connections among her contemporaries in the early 1900s.

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