What Happened This Year 1885

People Who Died in 1885

Giorgio Mitrovich

Maltese politician and public figure
Born
August 27th, 1795 229 years ago
Died
March 13th, 1885 140 years ago — 89 years old

Served as a prominent political figure in Malta during the 19th century. Engaged in various political activities and contributed to discussions on governance and law. Elected to the Legislative Assembly and actively participated in shaping Maltese politics. Advocated for civil rights, education reforms, and social issues relevant to the Maltese populace. His work laid the groundwork for subsequent political developments in Malta.

Continue Reading

Anson Stager

General and co-founder of Western Union
Born
1825 200 years ago
Died
March 26th, 1885 139 years ago — 60 years old

A general and businessman, contributed to the establishment of Western Union, a major telecommunication company. Played a significant role in the expansion of the telegraph service in the United States during the 19th century. Later served as a key figure in the company's development and operations, overseeing its growth into a national entity. His leadership and vision facilitated advancements in communication technology, which transformed business and personal communications across the country.

Continue Reading

Franz Abt

Composer and conductor of choral music
Born
December 22nd, 1819 205 years ago
Died
March 31st, 1885 139 years ago — 65 years old

A significant figure in 19th-century German music, contributed extensively to choral compositions. Composed several popular songs and choral works that gained wide acceptance. Conducted various choirs and was influential in promoting choral music during his era. His contributions to the field also included music education, and he served as a professor at the Music Conservatory in Leipzig.

Continue Reading

Karl Theodor Ernst von Siebold

German physiologist and zoologist
Born
February 16th, 1804 221 years ago
Died
April 7th, 1885 139 years ago — 81 years old

Contributed significantly to the fields of physiology and zoology, focusing extensively on histology, embryology, and the study of fish. Conducted research that paved the way for later discoveries in biological sciences. Became a professor at the University of Würzburg, where teaching and research prompted advances in understanding animal development and tissue structure. Published numerous influential works, which helped establish histological methods.

Continue Reading

William Crowther

Dutch-Australian politician, Tasmania Premier
Born
April 15th, 1817 207 years ago
Died
April 12th, 1885 139 years ago — 67 years old

Born in 1817, a politician served as the 14th Premier of Tasmania. His tenure was marked by significant political activity and the promotion of infrastructure development. Instrumental in the establishment of various public services, he contributed to shaping the region's governance. After serving as Premier, continued to have a presence in Tasmanian politics, influencing local governance through subsequent roles and initiatives.

Continue Reading

Terézia Zakoucs

Hungarian-Slovene author and poet
Born
1817 208 years ago
Died
May 2nd, 1885 139 years ago — 68 years old

A key figure in 19th-century Hungarian and Slovene literature. Wrote extensively in both languages, contributing to the cultural landscape of the time. Authored several works that highlighted social issues and historical narratives. Active in literary circles, fostering connections among writers and intellectuals. Engaged with both the Slovene and Hungarian literary traditions, bridging cultural gaps and promoting understanding between communities.

Continue Reading

Friedrich Gustav Jakob Henle

Physician, pathologist, anatomist, Henle's loop
Born
July 9th, 1800 224 years ago
Died
May 13th, 1885 139 years ago — 84 years old

Significant contributions to the fields of anatomy and pathology were made. Developed a classification system for various tissues and organs. Described the loop of Henle in the kidney, which plays a vital role in urine concentration. Published several influential works in anatomy and histology, emphasizing empirical research methods and observation. Held a professorship at the University of Göttingen, where numerous students were influenced by his teachings.

Continue Reading

Victor Hugo

French author and playwright of Les Misérables
Born
February 26th, 1802 223 years ago
Died
May 22nd, 1885 139 years ago — 83 years old

A significant figure in French literature, this individual was a poet, novelist, and playwright. They wrote extensively during the 19th century, producing works that addressed social issues such as poverty and injustice. Major contributions include 'Les Misérables', exploring the lives of characters grappling with redemption and societal constraints, and 'Notre-Dame de Paris', highlighting the fate of the tragic figure Quasimodo. Their writings explored themes of love, politics, and morality, influencing literature and social thought.

Continue Reading

Ignace Bourget

Canadian bishop and church leader
Born
October 30th, 1799 225 years ago
Died
June 8th, 1885 139 years ago — 85 years old

A prominent figure in the Roman Catholic Church in Canada during the 19th century. Served as the Bishop of Montreal from 1840 until death. Focused on strengthening the church's presence and community engagement in the region. Established several religious institutions, including schools and orphanages, to support the needs of the local population. Instrumental in the promotion of Catholic teachings and practices in Quebec, navigating challenges posed by emerging secular movements.

Continue Reading