What Happened This Year 1897
People Who Died in 1897
Giuseppina Strepponi
Born in 1815, this soprano gained prominence in the operatic world during the 19th century. She studied under influential teachers and established a successful career in various theaters across Europe. Important collaborations included performances in works by Verdi, with whom she developed a personal and professional relationship. She later took on a role in music education, contributing to the training of future generations of singers.
Continue ReadingJoseph Orville Shelby
Born in 1830, a military officer served in the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War. Shelby gained recognition for commanding cavalry units and participated in significant battles such as the Battle of Wilson's Creek and the Battle of Little Rock. After the war, he became a prominent figure in the post-war South and was involved in various business ventures. Shelby also served as a state legislator in Missouri.
Continue ReadingPrincess Mary Adelaide of Cambridge
Born in 1833, Princess Mary Adelaide served as a member of the British royal family. She was the daughter of George III's cousin, Adolphus, Duke of Cambridge. Her life was marked by a commitment to charitable work, particularly in relation to the welfare of the poor and sick. She took part in various philanthropic initiatives, including founding institutions focused on health and education. Her closeness with her family, especially with her cousin Queen Victoria, facilitated her engagements in royal duties while also fostering her dedication to social causes.
Continue ReadingGeorge Pullman
An engineer and businessman, established the Pullman Company, which revolutionized the railroad car industry by developing luxury sleeping cars. Designed and built Pullman, a company town for workers, prioritizing safety and welfare. Engaged in labor disputes, notably the Pullman Strike of 1894, which highlighted labor issues in the United States.
Continue ReadingCharles Boycott
Originated from England, worked as an estate manager for the Anglo-Irish landowner Lord Erne in Ireland. Faced hostility from local tenants due to high rents and harsh eviction practices. In 1880, after failing to secure a reduction in rent, the tenants engaged in a campaign of social ostracism against him. This event led to the coining of the term 'boycott', which became synonymous with nonviolent protest and economic coercion. Eventually, Boycott left Ireland following the sustained pressure from the local community. His experiences highlighted the deep tensions within Irish land ownership and tenant rights during that period.
Continue ReadingHeinrich von Stephan
A prominent figure in the international postal system, a German postman played a crucial role in founding the Universal Postal Union in 1874. This organization standardized international mail services, improving communication across borders. His tenure as the Director of the German Postal Service was marked by significant reforms, leading to the modernization of postal operations in Germany. Emphasizing the importance of efficient postal services, he advocated for international cooperation among nations to enhance mail delivery systems globally.
Continue ReadingIsaac Pitman
Born in England, this individual was a prominent linguist and educator who developed a system of shorthand writing that became widely adopted in the English-speaking world. The system, known as Pitman Shorthand, allowed for the rapid transcription of spoken words, making it invaluable for journalists, secretaries, and anyone else requiring efficient note-taking. In addition to the creation of the shorthand system, this individual published numerous works on phonetics and founded a series of educational institutions that taught these methods. The emphasis on phonetics and accessibility in education marked a significant contribution to language instruction during the 19th century.
Continue ReadingÉmile Levassor
An influential figure in the early automotive industry, contributed significantly to the development of the automobile. Designed the first successful automobile in France, which utilized the internal combustion engine. Established the manufacturing and marketing techniques that became standard in the automotive sector. Played a vital role in the promotion of automobile racing as a means to demonstrate automotive technology and performance.
Continue ReadingCarl Remigius Fresenius
Born in 1818, a German chemist and academic. Played a crucial role in developing analytical chemistry and instruction. Established a laboratory at the University of Wiesbaden that became prominent for research and education in chemistry. Authored numerous texts that served as standard references in the field. His work laid the groundwork for modern analytical techniques used in various scientific disciplines.
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