What Happened This Year 1887

People Who Died in 1887

Emma Lazarus

Poet and educator, wrote 'The New Colossus'
Born
July 22nd, 1849 175 years ago
Died
November 19th, 1887 137 years ago — 38 years old

A poet and educator, contributed significantly to American literature and Jewish identity in the United States during the late 19th century. Best remembered for the poem 'The New Colossus', which is inscribed on a plaque at the Statue of Liberty, celebrating immigration and freedom. Lazarus was an advocate for Jewish causes, particularly in response to antisemitism and the plight of Jews in Eastern Europe. In addition to poetry, worked to promote the arts and education within the Jewish community.

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Eliza R. Snow

American poet and songwriter.
Born
1804 221 years ago
Died
December 5th, 1887 137 years ago — 83 years old

Eliza R. Snow composed numerous hymns and poems that became integral to the Latter-day Saint movement. A prominent figure in early Utah settlement, she played a critical role in establishing women's organizations within the community. Snow served as the first president of the Relief Society, fostering a spirit of charity and service among its members. Her literary works, including the hymn "O My Father," contributed significantly to the corpus of Latter-day Saint music and culture. Besides her contributions to poetry and song, she engaged in various social and educational initiatives that influenced the burgeoning community.

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Ferdinand Didrichsen

Danish botanist and physicist
Born
July 3rd, 1814 210 years ago
Died
1887 138 years ago — 73 years old

Contributed to the fields of botany and physics in Denmark. Conducted significant research in plant physiology and made advancements in the understanding of plant functions. Published numerous papers that detailed findings in various botanical studies. Engaged in the exploration of the interaction between light and plant growth, which provided valuable insights into the mechanics of photosynthesis.

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Dorothea Dix

American nurse and mental health advocate
Born
April 4th, 1802 222 years ago
Died
1887 138 years ago — 85 years old

Born in 1802, an American nurse dedicated efforts to improve the treatment of the mentally ill. Conducted extensive investigations into the conditions of mental asylums across the United States during the 1840s. Her findings led to significant reforms in mental health care and the establishment of several hospitals dedicated to the care of the mentally ill. Instrumental in raising awareness about mental health issues and advocating for humane treatment.

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Ferdinand Johann Wiedemann

Linguist and botanist, published many works
Born
March 30th, 1805 219 years ago
Died
1887 138 years ago — 82 years old

Born in 1805, a notable figure in linguistics and botany. Conducted extensive research on various languages, particularly focusing on the Sámi languages and the grammar of Finnish. Contributed significantly to botanical studies, earning recognition for his classification and description of numerous plant species. His studies included both theoretical linguistics and practical botany, which influenced future research in these fields. Published several works that provided foundational knowledge for subsequent scholars.

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Thomas Spencer Baynes

English philosopher and critic with influential works
Born
March 24th, 1823 201 years ago
Died
1887 138 years ago — 64 years old

Contributed significantly to philosophy and literary criticism in the 19th century. Served as a professor of logic and metaphysics at the University of St Andrews. Edited the 9th edition of the Encyclopaedia Britannica, significantly shaping its contents. Wrote extensively on Hegel and German idealism, influencing contemporary thought and education.

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Jean-Baptiste Boussingault

French chemist and academic
Born
February 2nd, 1802 223 years ago
Died
1887 138 years ago — 85 years old

Contributed significantly to the field of chemistry and agricultural science. Conducted pioneering research on the role of nitrogen in plant growth. Served as a professor at the University of the Republic in Colombia and contributed to agricultural practices in Europe and South America. Explored the relationship between soil fertilizer and crop yield, leading to advancements in agronomy.

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Alvan Clark

Astronomer and optician who constructed telescopes
Born
March 8th, 1804 221 years ago
Died
1887 138 years ago — 83 years old

Contributions to astronomy included the construction of some of the largest telescopes of the 19th century. Worked extensively on improving refracting telescopes, especially the design of the objective lens. Partnered with his son to establish a successful telescope-making business. Involved in the discovery of the fourth moon of Mars in 1877.

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Elme Marie Caro

Philosopher and academic specializing in ethics
Born
March 4th, 1826 199 years ago
Died
1887 138 years ago — 61 years old

Contributed significantly to philosophical discourse in the 19th century, focusing on ethics and aesthetics. Served as a professor at the Sorbonne, influencing the study of philosophy in France. Engaged with contemporary philosophical movements and addressed various social issues through an ethical lens. Wrote extensively on the relationship between morality and human behavior, and his works remain relevant in discussions of moral philosophy.

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