What Happened This Year 1880

People Who Died in 1880

Lucretia Mott

American women's rights activist
Born
January 3rd, 1793 232 years ago
Died
November 11th, 1880 144 years ago — 87 years old

An abolitionist and advocate for women's rights, played a significant role in the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848. Mott co-founded the Philadelphia Female Anti-Slavery Society in 1833 and worked tirelessly for women's suffrage. Mott's writings and speeches called for social reforms that addressed issues of gender and race. Through her efforts, she contributed to the early feminist movement and promoted equality throughout her lifetime.

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Léon Cogniet

French painter and portrait artist
Born
1794 231 years ago
Died
November 20th, 1880 144 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 187 years ago
Died
November 28th, 1880 144 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 214 years ago
Died
December 11th, 1880 144 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 231 years ago
Died
December 18th, 1880 144 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 205 years ago
Died
December 22nd, 1880 144 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 196 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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William Lassell

Astronomer; discovered moons of planets
Born
June 18th, 1799 225 years ago
Died
1880 145 years ago — 81 years old

An English astronomer and merchant, dedicated a significant portion of life to astronomical observation. Constructed a top-quality 24-inch reflector telescope in 1840, allowing for major advancements in the field. Discovered Neptune's moons, Triton and Nereid, in 1846 and 1949 respectively. Made contributions to the study of binary stars and the structure of comets. Participated in the development of the field of astrophotography, which allowed for the capture of celestial images.

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John Curwen

Minister and educator, developed Tonic Solfa
Born
November 14th, 1816 208 years ago
Died
1880 145 years ago — 64 years old

An English minister and educator contributed significantly to music education. Established Tonic Solfa, a method of teaching music that simplifies reading music notation. Founded the first music school using this method, enhancing music learning across various communities. Wrote instructional books and materials that popularized this system, leading to its adoption in schools and churches. Promoted the integration of music education in the curriculum, influencing generations of music educators and students.

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