What Happened This Year 1886

Born in 1886

Georg Hermann Struve

German astronomer and astrophysicist
Born
December 29th, 1886 139 years ago
Died
1933 93 years ago — 47 years old

Contributed significantly to astronomy, particularly in the fields of stellar parallax and the measurement of stellar distances. Conducted major research at the University of Tübingen, where developments in astrophysical methods were advanced. Collaborated with other astronomers to enhance the understanding of celestial objects. Worked on the physical properties of stars and their distributions in the galaxy.

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Austin Osman Spare

Artist and occultist, created sigils
Born
December 30th, 1886 139 years ago
Died
May 15th, 1956 70 years ago — 69 years old

An influential English artist and occultist associated with the early 20th century. Specialized in the development of a distinctive style characterized by visionary art and a focus on the subconscious. Created a system of magic involving sigils, which gained popularity in various esoteric circles. Worked on illustrating texts on occult practices and developed his own unique approach to drawing and painting that combined elements of surrealism and symbolism. Published several works discussing his theories on art and magic, contributing significantly to the understanding of the interplay between creativity and the occult.

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Erich Fellgiebel

German general and July 20 plotter
Born
1886 140 years ago
Died
September 4th, 1944 81 years ago — 58 years old

Served as a general in the German Army during World War II. Played a significant role in the July 20, 1944, plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler. Was involved in military operations on several fronts including the Eastern Front and the Normandy campaign. Faced challenges in balancing loyalty to the military and opposition to the regime. After the failed assassination attempt, arrested and executed by the Nazi regime.

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Margrethe Mather

American photographer and visual artist
Born
1886 140 years ago
Died
December 25th, 1952 73 years ago — 66 years old

A pioneer in photography, specialized in innovative techniques and creativity. Worked primarily in the early 20th century, collaborating with notable figures in the art community. Mather's style combined elements of modernism and pictorialism, influencing the development of photography as an art form. Contributed significantly to the San Francisco art scene and participated in prominent exhibitions.

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Gaspar G. Bacon

American lawyer and politician
Born
1886 140 years ago
Died
December 25th, 1947 78 years ago — 61 years old

Served as the 51st Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts between 1925 and 1929. Held several public offices, including member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives and District Attorney for Essex County. Involved in various legal and political initiatives during tenure, contributing to the development of state policies.

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Erich Zeigner

Prime Minister of Saxony
Born
1886 140 years ago
Died
April 5th, 1949 77 years ago — 63 years old

Served as Prime Minister of Saxony during a turbulent period in German history. Involved in the establishment of policies aimed at social reforms in the late Weimar Republic. Became a member of the Socialist Unity Party after World War II and contributed to the reconstruction of East Germany. His tenure included dealing with the challenges posed by post-war conditions and the transition into a communist system.

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Tore Ørjasæter

Norwegian poet and educator
Born
1886 140 years ago
Died
February 29th, 1968 58 years ago — 82 years old

A prominent Norwegian poet and educator contributed significantly to the literary landscape of Norway. Ørjasæter wrote in both Nynorsk and Bokmål, reflecting his commitment to the Norwegian language. The poet published several influential works, with a focus on rural life and the beauty of nature. Engaging in education, he served as a teacher and promoted the importance of literature in the learning process. Ørjasæter's literary voice resonated with the themes of identity, nationalism, and the Norwegian landscape, positioning him as a key figure in early 20th-century Norwegian poetry.

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Joseph Achron

Composer and violinist, wrote 'Hebrew Melody'
Born
1886 140 years ago
Died
April 29th, 1943 83 years ago — 57 years old

Achron was a Russian composer and violinist. He studied under renowned figures such as Leopold Auer and became a prominent musician in the early 20th century. His works often reflected Jewish themes and folk melodies, contributing to the repertoire of classical music with a distinct cultural flavor. Achron composed orchestral, chamber, and vocal music, with 'Hebrew Melody' gaining particular recognition. He immigrated to the United States during the tumultuous years of the early 1930s and continued to compose and teach music until his death in 1943.

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Cevat Şakir Kabaağaçlı

Turkish ethnographer and author
Born
1886 140 years ago
Died
October 13th, 1973 52 years ago — 87 years old

An ethnographer and author contributed significantly to Turkish literature and cultural studies. Focused on the lives and traditions of the Aegean region, extensively wrote about the Bodrum area and its cultural heritage. Formulated the concept of ‘the Fisherman of Halicarnassus’, emphasizing the connection between nature and human life. Published numerous works, including novels, essays, and travelogues that illustrated the socio-cultural dynamics of Turkish society. Played a crucial role in the development of modern Turkish literature through the incorporation of ethnographic detail into literary forms. His works inspired future generations of writers and researchers in the field of ethnography.

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