What Happened This Year 1894

People Who Died in 1894

Anton Rubinstein

Russian pianist and composer
Born
November 28th, 1829 195 years ago
Died
November 20th, 1894 130 years ago — 64 years old

A prominent pianist, composer, and conductor, contributed significantly to the development of music education in Russia. Founded the Saint Petersburg Conservatory, the first of its kind in the country, setting a standard for music training. Composed numerous works for piano, orchestras, and operas, with 'The Demon' being among the most recognized. Conducted various orchestras, including engagements with the Berlin Philharmonic and the New York Philharmonic, fostering a rich musical culture in Russia and beyond.

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Juan N. Méndez

Mexican General and Interim President
Born
July 2nd, 1820 204 years ago
Died
November 29th, 1894 130 years ago — 74 years old

Served as a general in the Mexican army and held the position of interim president from 1876 to 1877. Participated in the political and military conflicts during the late 19th century, particularly during the upheavals surrounding the presidency of Porfirio Díaz. Worked to stabilize the government and address various issues arising from the ongoing political instability. Engaged in military campaigns that defined the era and influenced the future direction of the country.

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Robert Louis Stevenson

Scottish novelist, essayist, poet
Born
November 13th, 1850 174 years ago
Died
December 3rd, 1894 130 years ago — 44 years old

A prominent novelist and poet, this figure gained acclaim for works that include adventure tales and essays exploring themes of duality. 'Treasure Island' showcased a gripping narrative of pirates and treasure, while 'Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde' examined the complexities of human nature. Born in Edinburgh, Scotland, contributions to both children's literature and gothic fiction are notable. The exploration of moral ambiguity and adventure set a foundation for modern storytelling.

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Ferdinand de Lesseps

French diplomat and Suez Canal builder
Born
November 19th, 1805 219 years ago
Died
December 7th, 1894 130 years ago — 89 years old

A French diplomat and engineer, contributed significantly to the construction of the Suez Canal, which connected the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea. The canal was completed in 1869 and marked a major advancement in global trade and maritime travel. De Lesseps was also involved in various diplomatic negotiations throughout his career, enhancing relations between France and other nations. His work on the canal demonstrated innovative engineering techniques and played a crucial role in transforming the economic landscape of the region.

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Pafnuty Chebyshev

Mathematician and statistician, Chebyshev polynomials
Born
May 16th, 1821 203 years ago
Died
December 8th, 1894 130 years ago — 73 years old

A Russian mathematician and statistician, contributed significantly to number theory, approximation theory, and probability. Developed Chebyshev polynomials and established the foundation for Chebyshev's inequality in statistics. Authored several influential works and served as a professor at the University of St. Petersburg, where he influenced generations of mathematicians. The Chebyshev graph and Chebyshev approximation remain pivotal concepts in analysis and computational mathematics.

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John Sparrow David Thompson

4th Prime Minister of Canada
Born
November 10th, 1845 179 years ago
Died
December 12th, 1894 130 years ago — 49 years old

A prominent Canadian lawyer and politician, held the position of 4th Prime Minister from 1892 until 1894. Before assuming the role of Prime Minister, served as the Attorney General of Nova Scotia and as a judge on the Nova Scotia Supreme Court. Thompson was influential in the creation of the Canadian Highway Act, facilitating road construction across Canada. His leadership also involved addressing issues related to immigration and the expansion of railroads. Died unexpectedly in office.

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Christina Rossetti

English poet, author of 'Goblin Market'
Born
December 5th, 1830 194 years ago
Died
December 29th, 1894 130 years ago — 64 years old

Born in England in 1830, a prominent poet and author emerged, contributing significantly to Victorian literature. The early literary career included the publication of poems in various collections. The most renowned work, 'Goblin Market,' published in 1862, showcased imaginative narrative and themes of sacrifice and sisterhood. Additionally, published several other notable works, including 'The Prince's Progress' and 'Sing-Song: A Nursery Rhyme Book.' The engagement with spiritual themes and personal faith also characterized much of the writing, reflecting the broader pre-Raphaelite movement. Worked as a translator and involved in charitable efforts throughout life, further expanding influence within literary and social spheres.

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Thomas Joannes Stieltjes

Mathematician known for Stieltjes integral
Born
December 29th, 1856 168 years ago
Died
December 31st, 1894 130 years ago — 38 years old

A mathematician with significant contributions to analysis and the theory of functions, Stieltjes worked extensively on integration and provided a generalization of the Riemann integral, now known as the Stieltjes integral. This framework facilitates the integration process for functions that are not easily handled by traditional methods. Additionally, his work on continued fractions helped advance the field of number theory. Stieltjes held academic positions in both his native Netherlands and France, influencing the study of mathematics in both countries.

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Federico de Madrazo

Spanish painter, notable portraitist
Born
February 9th, 1815 210 years ago
Died
1894 131 years ago — 79 years old

A celebrated Spanish painter, this individual specialized in portraiture and historical subjects, exhibiting a mastery of detail and depth in his work. Studied at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando, he became an influential figure in the Spanish art world of the 19th century. His works were appreciated for their depiction of aristocratic society, often showcasing the complexities of character and emotion. The artist also served as a prominent art official, contributing to the cultural landscape of Spain during his lifetime.

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