What Happened This Year 1887

People Who Died in 1887

Friedrich Theodor Vischer

German author and playwright of 'Aesthetics'
Born
June 30th, 1807 217 years ago
Died
1887 138 years ago — 80 years old

An author, poet, and playwright, contributed significantly to German literature in the 19th century. Early in life, Vischer studied philosophy and aesthetics, which influenced his writing style. Vischer's most notable work, 'Aesthetik', addressed various aspects of art and beauty, reflecting a deep intellectual engagement with the subject. Throughout his career, he wrote numerous plays, essays, and literary critiques that showcased his literary prowess. He was also involved in academia, serving as a professor and engaging in philosophical discussions. His works are characterized by a blend of philosophical inquiry and aesthetic exploration.

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Horace Abbott

American businessman and banker
Born
July 29th, 1806 218 years ago
Died
1887 138 years ago — 81 years old

Established a successful career in finance during the 19th century. Played a significant role in banking and investment, contributing to the economic development of the period. Involved in various business enterprises, including the founding of banks that served the growing needs of commerce and industry. Influenced the banking sector through strategic investments and management practices.

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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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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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Mary Tyler Peabody Mann

American author and educator
Born
November 16th, 1806 218 years ago
Died
1887 138 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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Lysander Spooner

Philosopher and author of liberty-centric works
Born
January 19th, 1808 217 years ago
Died
1887 138 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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James Buchanan Eads

Engineer and designer of Eads Bridge
Born
May 23rd, 1820 204 years ago
Died
1887 138 years ago — 67 years old

An American engineer, significant contributions included the design and construction of the Eads Bridge, completed in 1874, which spanned the Mississippi River at St. Louis. Eads also played a crucial role in developing steam-powered ironclad warships during the Civil War and worked on various other engineering projects, focusing on river navigation and flood control. His innovations in engineering set new standards in the field.

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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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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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