What Happened This Year 1878

People Who Died in 1878

Sidney Breese

American jurist and politician
Born
July 15th, 1800 224 years ago
Died
June 27th, 1878 146 years ago — 77 years old

Born in 1800, this individual served as a prominent jurist and politician in the early years of the United States. Breese engaged in legal practice and contributed to political dialogue in Illinois. He played a role in the establishment of the Illinois Supreme Court, shaping the legal landscape of the state. As a U.S. Senator, he participated in legislative processes and supported various initiatives. His tenure was marked by significant developments in state law and governance.

Continue Reading

Aleardo Aleardi

Italian poet and literary figure
Born
November 14th, 1812 212 years ago
Died
July 17th, 1878 146 years ago — 65 years old

Born in 1812, a prominent Italian poet contributed to the literary world during the 19th century. Aleardi's poetry often focused on themes of Romanticism, reflecting both personal and social issues of the time. His works gained recognition for their lyrical quality and depth. The poet was part of the literary movements that sought to challenge the norms of previous generations, advocating for greater creative freedom and emotional expression in poetry. Through various publications, Aleardi established himself as a significant figure in Italian literature, with influences that carried on beyond his lifetime.

Continue Reading

Yegor Ivanovich Zolotarev

Russian mathematician and theorist
Born
March 31st, 1847 178 years ago
Died
July 19th, 1878 146 years ago — 31 years old

Contributed significantly to number theory and algebra. Studied properties of quadratic forms and published influential works addressing the arithmetic of numbers. Worked on the theory of Dirichlet series and provided foundational insights into the distribution of prime numbers. Zolotarev's work on the theory of errors in measurements also garnered attention. His efforts laid groundwork for future advancements in mathematics.

Continue Reading

Sam Bass

American outlaw and train robber
Born
1851 174 years ago
Died
July 21st, 1878 146 years ago — 27 years old

Born in the early 1850s, a notorious outlaw in the American West. Gained fame as a train robber associated with the notorious gang of outlaws. Conducted several high-profile train robberies across Texas, significantly impacting the railroads in the region. His criminal activities eventually led to his death in a confrontation with law enforcement in 1878.

Continue Reading

Carl von Rokitansky

Pathologist, author of Rokitansky method
Born
February 19th, 1804 221 years ago
Died
July 23rd, 1878 146 years ago — 74 years old

Contributed significantly to pathology and anatomy. Developed the Rokitansky method of autopsy, which set a standard for modern forensic science. Published multiple volumes on pathology and histology. Served as a professor and head of the pathological anatomy department at the University of Vienna, shaping medical education and research.

Continue Reading

George Law Curry

American politician and publisher
Born
July 2nd, 1820 204 years ago
Died
July 28th, 1878 146 years ago — 58 years old

Served as the 5th Governor of the Oregon Territory from 1854 to 1859, overseeing a time of significant growth and development in the region. Played a crucial role in the establishment of Oregon's governmental structures and policies. Worked as a newspaper publisher, contributing to the regional discourse on issues such as statehood and land rights. Involved in the territorial legislature, advocating for various local interests and promoting agricultural and economic prosperity.

Continue Reading

Richard Upjohn

Architect of Trinity Church, NYC
Born
January 22nd, 1802 223 years ago
Died
August 16th, 1878 146 years ago — 76 years old

An architect active in the 19th century, contributed to the Gothic Revival style in American architecture. Established a reputation in the United States after emigrating from England. Designed notable buildings including Trinity Church in Manhattan, which is considered a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Part of the American Institute of Architects and served as its first president, influencing architectural practices during this period.

Continue Reading

Mariam Baouardy

Syrian Roman Catholic nun, canonized
Born
January 5th, 1846 179 years ago
Died
August 26th, 1878 146 years ago — 32 years old

Born in a small village in Ottoman Syria, became a nun in the Carmelite order. Established a convent in Bethlehem and founded a Carmelite community in India. Known for mystical experiences and reported stigmata. Later canonized by the Catholic Church for her piety and dedication to the religious life.

Continue Reading

Orélie-Antoine de Tounens

French lawyer and explorer of Patagonia
Born
May 12th, 1825 199 years ago
Died
September 17th, 1878 146 years ago — 53 years old

An individual embarked on an expedition to Patagonia in the mid-19th century. This journey led to the proclamation of a short-lived kingdom, the Kingdom of Araucania and Patagonia, in 1860. His ambitions included establishing a constitutional monarchy in the region, with himself as king. Despite facing significant challenges and resistance from Chile and Argentina, efforts to gain international recognition continued. The exploration involved territorial claims and interactions with indigenous groups, aiming to advocate for their rights and develop the region. The kingdom's existence was largely symbolic and did not achieve official recognition from foreign powers, but the venture remains a unique chapter in the history of exploration in South America.

Continue Reading