What Happened This Year 1880

People Who Died in 1880

Ned Kelly

Australian bushranger and outlaw
Born
1855 170 years ago
Died
November 11th, 1880 145 years ago — 25 years old

A prominent figure in Australian history, known for violent confrontations with law enforcement during the late 19th century. Operated as a bushranger in Victoria, leading his gang in a series of robberies and conflicts. Captured in 1880 after a final shootout at Glenrowan, the individual was tried and executed for murder. The legacy encompasses both infamy and a sense of folk hero status, deeply rooted in Australian culture.

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Léon Cogniet

French painter and portrait artist
Born
1794 231 years ago
Died
November 20th, 1880 145 years ago — 86 years old

A prominent French painter active in the 19th century, gained recognition for portraits and historical scenes. Studied at the École des Beaux-Arts and exhibited at the Salon, attracting attention for contributions to the avant-garde art movement. Worked mainly in oil on canvas, focusing on figurative works. Cogniet's artistic style combined neoclassical elements with realism, exemplifying the transition between these movements. Later became a professor at the École des Beaux-Arts, influencing a new generation of artists.

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Aires de Ornelas e Vasconcelos

Portuguese Archbishop of Angra
Born
September 18th, 1837 188 years ago
Died
November 28th, 1880 145 years ago — 43 years old

Served as the Archbishop of Angra from 1894 until 1900. Contributed to the Catholic Church's administration and community engagement on the Azores islands. Played a significant role in church reforms during tenure. Focused on education and religious outreach, enhancing the church’s presence in local communities.

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Oliver Winchester

Businessman and politician, arms manufacturer
Born
November 30th, 1810 215 years ago
Died
December 11th, 1880 145 years ago — 70 years old

An American businessman and politician, founded the Winchester Repeating Arms Company in 1866. The company became prominent in the production of firearms, particularly the Winchester rifle, which gained popularity during the American Civil War and the westward expansion of the United States. Winchester served as the company's president and played a significant role in its growth and success, contributing to the evolution of repeating firearms technology. After passing of his first wife, he engaged in philanthropic efforts, including contributions to education and public institutions.

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Michel Chasles

French mathematician and academic
Born
November 15th, 1793 232 years ago
Died
December 18th, 1880 145 years ago — 87 years old

Contributed significantly to geometry and projective geometry. Developed Chasles' theorem, which relates to the properties of motion and the geometry of rigid bodies. Held a professorship at the Collège de France and published various works in mathematics. Participated actively in the mathematical community of the 19th century, influencing future generations of mathematicians.

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George Eliot

English novelist and poet, Middlemarch
Born
November 22nd, 1819 206 years ago
Died
December 22nd, 1880 145 years ago — 61 years old

A prominent English novelist and poet, this individual contributed significantly to Victorian literature. Published the novel 'Middlemarch' in 1871-1872, which presents a detailed portrayal of provincial life and explores complex characters and social themes. Other notable works include 'Silas Marner' and 'The Mill on the Floss', which showcased a deep understanding of human emotion and moral complexity. Under a male pen name, this figure tackled issues of gender and society, reflecting on individual struggles within a broader social context. Received recognition for literary prowess, influencing future generations of writers.

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Fridolin Anderwert

Swiss politician and judge
Born
September 19th, 1828 197 years ago
Died
December 25th, 1880 144 years ago — 52 years old

Served as a pivotal figure in Swiss politics during the 19th century. Held the position of President of the Swiss National Council, influencing legislative processes. Alongside a judicial career, contributed to the development of Swiss governance and legal frameworks. Involved in significant political reforms that shaped the Swiss political landscape.

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George Brown

Scottish-Canadian politician and journalist
Born
November 29th, 1818 207 years ago
Died
1880 145 years ago — 62 years old

Born in Scotland and later emigrating to Canada, this individual became an influential journalist and a prominent political figure. Founding the Globe newspaper, this person played a significant role in shaping Canadian public opinion in the 19th century. As the 10th Premier of the Province of Canada, this individual was a key advocate for Confederation and contributed to the establishment of a more united Canada. His involvement in politics extended to various reforms and initiatives aimed at expanding opportunities in the Canadian West.

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Ygnacio del Valle

Mexican-American landowner and rancher
Born
July 1st, 1808 217 years ago
Died
1880 145 years ago — 72 years old

Born in 1808, Ygnacio del Valle was a prominent Mexican-American landowner in California. His ranching operations contributed significantly to the agricultural development of the region. Del Valle acquired vast tracts of land that played a crucial role in the early economic landscape of California during the 19th century. He also participated in local governance, holding various offices in the community. His legacy includes the establishment of land use practices that influenced future generations of ranchers in the area.

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