What Happened This Year 1879

People Who Died in 1879

William Tilbury Fox

Dermatologist and medical academic
Born
1836 189 years ago
Died
June 7th, 1879 145 years ago — 43 years old

Contributed significantly to the field of dermatology during the 19th century. Served as a physician and a professor of dermatology at the University of London. Published important works on skin diseases and their treatments, which helped advance the understanding of various dermatological conditions. Advocated for the establishment of dermatology as a distinct medical specialty.

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Richard H. Anderson

American Civil War General
Born
October 7th, 1821 203 years ago
Died
June 26th, 1879 145 years ago — 57 years old

Born in 1821, a significant figure in the American Civil War, held key commands within the Confederate Army. Served in multiple battles including Second Bull Run and Gettysburg. Achieved the rank of lieutenant general and commanded the Second Corps of the Army of Northern Virginia. Participated in General Lee's campaign against Union forces and contributed to military strategies during the conflict, influencing important decisions.

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Edward Deas Thomson

Chief Secretary of New South Wales
Born
June 1st, 1800 224 years ago
Died
July 16th, 1879 145 years ago — 79 years old

Served as Chief Secretary of New South Wales from 1856 to 1861. Played a significant role in the administration during a period of political change. Contributed to educational reforms and public service development in the colony. Managed various colonial issues including land administration and relations with Indigenous communities.

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Maurycy Gottlieb

Ukrainian-Polish painter of Jewish themes
Born
1856 169 years ago
Died
July 17th, 1879 145 years ago — 23 years old

A prominent painter, born in 1856, studied in Kraków and later in Paris, where influences of Impressionism shaped his style. Focused on Jewish subjects, he depicted depth and emotion through his art. Important works include 'The Wailing Wall' and 'Jews at Prayer'. His career, though brief due to an early death at age 23, left a notable mark on Polish religious art. His paintings often reflected the integration of Jewish identity in the context of broader cultural narratives.

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Joseph Severn

English painter with notable artworks
Born
1793 232 years ago
Died
August 3rd, 1879 145 years ago — 86 years old

A prominent English painter during the 19th century, contributions spanned landscapes and portraiture. Severn studied at the Royal Academy and gained recognition for his detailed and emotive works. Associated with the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, he often portrayed literary figures and scenes. His friendship with poet John Keats influenced several pieces, creating a legacy that intertwined art and literature. Severn also served as the official portrait artist for notable individuals and participated in exhibitions across England, showcasing significant developments in British art of the era.

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Immanuel Hermann Fichte

German philosopher, influential works
Born
July 18th, 1796 228 years ago
Died
August 8th, 1879 145 years ago — 83 years old

Born in 1796, a German philosopher and academic contributed significantly to idealism and philosophy. Studied under notable figures and established a career in academia, influencing subsequent philosophical thought. Published works explored themes of idealism and knowledge, particularly in relation to self-consciousness and reality. Engaged in debates about the nature of freedom and ethics, impacting the German philosophical landscape.

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John Bell Hood

American Civil War general
Born
June 1st, 1831 193 years ago
Died
August 30th, 1879 145 years ago — 48 years old

Served as a Confederate general during the American Civil War, commanding the Army of Tennessee during key battles. Played a significant role in the battles of Atlanta and Franklin, where strategic maneuvers and leadership decisions were pivotal. Hood’s military career began in the Mexican-American War, after which he became a prominent figure in the Confederate army. Post-war, he faced personal and financial challenges, eventually moving to New Orleans and later serving as a businessman. He passed away in 1879 after a life marked by military service.

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Bernhard von Cotta

Geologist and author of 'Geologie'
Born
1808 217 years ago
Died
September 14th, 1879 145 years ago — 71 years old

Contributed significantly to the field of geology with a focus on mineralogy and stratigraphy. Developed geological maps and conducted extensive studies of alpine geology. Authored 'Die Geologie' in 1854, which served as a foundational text in geology education. Delivered lectures on geological formations and was involved in various geological societies. Played a crucial role in the establishment of geological science in Germany during the 19th century.

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Eugène Viollet-le-Duc

Architect and theorist of Gothic Revival
Born
January 27th, 1814 211 years ago
Died
September 17th, 1879 145 years ago — 65 years old

A prominent French architect and theorist specialized in the Gothic Revival style. Key projects included the restoration of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris and the medieval fortress of Carcassonne. Wrote extensively on architecture, emphasizing the importance of craftsmanship and structural honesty in design. Published works served as significant references for architects, influencing the field of historical preservation.

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