What Happened This Year 1878

Born in 1878

Cy Morgan

Baseball player, notable pitcher
Born
November 10th, 1878 146 years ago
Died
June 28th, 1962 62 years ago — 83 years old

Played professional baseball from 1903 to 1914, primarily as a pitcher. Appeared in Major League Baseball for teams such as the Philadelphia Phillies and the Chicago Cubs. Contributed to the teams' efforts in various seasons including participation in the World Series. Retired with a solid reputation for pitching skills during the early years of the professional league.

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Max Dehn

Mathematician known for work in topology
Born
November 13th, 1878 146 years ago
Died
June 27th, 1952 72 years ago — 73 years old

Born in Germany, a mathematician and academic specialized in topology. Contributed to the development of the field through the introduction of concepts such as Dehn's lemma. Emigrated to the United States in the 1930s where further research was conducted. Affiliated with institutions like the University of Illinois.

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Leopold Staff

Ukrainian-Polish poet and academic
Born
November 14th, 1878 146 years ago
Died
May 31st, 1957 67 years ago — 78 years old

A prominent poet and academic, contributed significantly to Polish literature in the 20th century. Associated with the Skamander group, which promoted modernist poetry in Poland. Published collections such as 'The Taming of the Wind' and 'The Chariot of Fire' while also exploring themes of nature, love, and existentialism. Held various academic positions, influencing numerous students and writers. Recognized for his literary work and received multiple accolades for contributions to poetry.

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Julie Manet

French painter and art collector
Born
November 14th, 1878 146 years ago
Died
July 14th, 1966 58 years ago — 87 years old

Born in 1878, a prominent French painter and art collector, contributed to the Post-Impressionist movement. Close association with notable artists like Pierre-Auguste Renoir influenced artwork. Housed important works in private collections and participated in various exhibitions. Employed a vibrant color palette and captured intimate portraits that reflected personal and artistic connections.

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Augustus Goessling

American swimmer and water polo player
Born
November 17th, 1878 146 years ago
Died
1963 62 years ago — 85 years old

Competed in water polo at the 1904 Summer Olympics, contributing to the sport's early development in the United States. Played for the New York Athletic Club during a successful career in swimming and water polo. Made significant advancements in promoting these aquatic sports during the early 20th century.

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Grace Abbott

American social worker and reformer
Born
November 17th, 1878 146 years ago
Died
June 19th, 1939 85 years ago — 60 years old

A prominent social worker in the early 20th century, contributed significantly to child welfare and immigration reform. Served as the chief of the U.S. Children's Bureau from 1921 to 1934, focusing on issues such as child labor, foster care, and family health. Advocated for federal legislation to improve the conditions for children and families. Played a key role in the establishment of the Sheppard-Towner Act, aimed at reducing maternal and infant mortality through federal funding for maternity and infancy healthcare programs.

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Gustav Radbruch

German lawyer and Minister of Justice
Born
November 21st, 1878 146 years ago
Died
1949 76 years ago — 71 years old

Held significant positions in the German legal system and political landscape during the early to mid-20th century. Served as the Minister of Justice in the Weimar Republic, contributing to legal reforms and the development of modern German jurisprudence. Advocated for the rule of law and emphasized the importance of justice in the legal framework. His work in legal theory as a professor also shaped German legal education and thinking.

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Frank Pick

English lawyer and businessman
Born
November 23rd, 1878 146 years ago
Died
November 7th, 1941 83 years ago — 62 years old

A prominent figure in the development of London's transport system, particularly recognized for contributions to the London Underground. Worked as a solicitor and joined the London Transport Board, where he implemented significant changes in transport design and branding. Advocated for modern architecture and aesthetics in public transport, commissioning works from notable designers and artists.

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Major Taylor

American cyclist; first African American cycling champion
Born
November 26th, 1878 146 years ago
Died
1932 93 years ago — 54 years old

An African American cyclist gained prominence in the early 20th century. Competed in various cycling events, achieving significant success. Won the world 50-mile track cycling championship in 1899, becoming the first African American to hold a world championship title in any sport. Faced racial discrimination throughout the career but persevered, securing victories across the United States and internationally. Taylor's achievements helped pave the way for future generations of athletes.

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