What Happened This Year 1887

People Who Died in 1887

Mary Tyler Peabody Mann

American author and educator
Born
November 16th, 1806 219 years ago
Died
1887 139 years ago — 81 years old

An author and educator contributed significantly to the field of education in 19th-century America. Co-authored 'The First School Book' which emphasized the importance of early childhood education. Established several schools in the Boston area and worked on improving educational methodology. Advocated for the rights and education of women and children, participating in various social reform movements.

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Elme Marie Caro

Philosopher and academic specializing in ethics
Born
March 4th, 1826 200 years ago
Died
1887 139 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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Alvan Clark

Astronomer and optician who constructed telescopes
Born
March 8th, 1804 222 years ago
Died
1887 139 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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Dimitri Kipiani

Georgian publicist and author
Born
April 14th, 1814 211 years ago
Died
1887 139 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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William Babcock Hazen

American General during Civil War
Born
September 27th, 1830 195 years ago
Died
1887 139 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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Jean-Baptiste Boussingault

French chemist and academic
Born
February 2nd, 1802 224 years ago
Died
1887 139 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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Ferdinand Didrichsen

Danish botanist and physicist
Born
July 3rd, 1814 211 years ago
Died
1887 139 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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Thomas Spencer Baynes

English philosopher and critic with influential works
Born
March 24th, 1823 203 years ago
Died
1887 139 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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Lysander Spooner

Philosopher and author of liberty-centric works
Born
January 19th, 1808 218 years ago
Died
1887 139 years ago — 79 years old

A prominent philosopher and author contributed significantly to political philosophy, advocating for natural rights and individual liberty. Authored critical works including 'No Treason' and 'The Unconstitutionality of Slavery', highlighting the moral stance against government overreach and slavery. Established a private postal service to challenge government monopolies on mail delivery, promoting the idea of voluntary exchange and competition. Engaged in legal theory and abolitionist movements, emphasizing individual autonomy and critiques of state authority.

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