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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Wilhelm Henzen

German philologist and epigraphist
Born
January 24th, 1816 209 years ago
Died
1887 138 years ago — 71 years old

Contributed significantly to the field of philology and epigraphy. Worked extensively on deciphering inscriptions and texts from ancient languages, particularly those related to the Roman Empire. Published various studies on Latin inscriptions and their cultural contexts. His research provided insights into the linguistic and historical aspects of ancient societies.

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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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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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Dimitri Kipiani

Georgian publicist and author
Born
April 14th, 1814 210 years ago
Died
1887 138 years ago — 73 years old

A prominent publicist and author from Georgia, notable for significant contributions to Georgian literature and journalism during the 19th century. Initiated discussions on national identity and cultural independence through various publications. Explored themes of patriotism and enlightenment, advocating for social reforms in Georgia. Played a key role in the rise of modern Georgian literature, influencing later generations of writers and journalists.

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Dinah Craik

English author and poet with 'John Halifax, Gentleman'
Born
April 20th, 1826 198 years ago
Died
1887 138 years ago — 61 years old

An English author and poet, created a significant body of work during the 19th century. 'John Halifax, Gentleman' emerged as the most celebrated novel, becoming a classic of Victorian literature. Other literary works included novels and poems that explored themes of social justice and the human experience. Also contributed to literary magazines and engaged in social discourse of the time. Her writing style combined sentimentality with keen observation, marking a distinctive voice in the literary landscape of the era.

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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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William Babcock Hazen

American General during Civil War
Born
September 27th, 1830 194 years ago
Died
1887 138 years ago — 57 years old

Graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1855. Fought in the American Civil War, serving as a Union general. Played a key role in the Battle of Stones River, contributing to the Union victory. After the Civil War, held various commands including overseeing the Department of the Missouri and the Department of Texas. Advocated for the reorganization of the U.S. Army's signal corps and promoted the use of telegraph in military operations. Served as a commander of the 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, IV Corps at the Battle of Chickamauga.

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