What Happened This Year 1899

People Who Died in 1899

James Service

Scottish-Australian politician, Premier of Victoria
Born
November 27th, 1823 201 years ago
Died
1899 126 years ago — 76 years old

A Scottish-Australian politician served as the 12th Premier of Victoria from 1880 to 1881. Service immigrated to Victoria during the gold rush. He held various positions within the government, including being a member of the Legislative Assembly. His leadership focused on public works and railway development.

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William P. Sprague

American banker and politician
Born
May 21st, 1827 198 years ago
Died
1899 126 years ago — 72 years old

Elected as a U.S. Senator from Rhode Island, served from 1863 to 1869. Held the position of Governor of Rhode Island, contributing to state governance during a period of economic change and post-Civil War recovery. Founded and operated banks in the state, influencing local financial practices. Participated in various civic initiatives aimed at economic development.

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Alfred, Hereditary Prince of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha

Hereditary Prince of Saxe-Coburg
Born
October 15th, 1874 150 years ago
Died
1899 126 years ago — 25 years old

Born in 1874, this hereditary prince held a title within the German nobility. He was part of the House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, a family with connections to various European royal houses. He served in the military and held several positions within the aristocracy. His life spanned tumultuous times in Europe, including the lead-up to World War I. He was known for his contributions to the family estate and the management of its properties, which included efforts in agriculture and local governance.

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Sophus Lie

Norwegian mathematician, founder of Lie groups
Born
December 17th, 1842 182 years ago
Died
1899 126 years ago — 57 years old

Born in Norway in 1842, a mathematician made significant contributions to the field of mathematics, particularly in the area of differential equations and algebraic structures. Developed the theory of continuous transformation groups, which laid the foundation for what is now known as Lie groups. These groups have numerous applications in various branches of mathematics and theoretical physics. Held academic positions at several universities, enhancing mathematical education and research throughout Europe.

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Cornelius Vanderbilt II

American businessman and railroad magnate
Born
November 27th, 1843 181 years ago
Died
1899 126 years ago — 56 years old

Vanderbilt II was an influential businessman in the railroad industry during the late 19th century. He took over the family business after the death of his father, expanding operations significantly. Under his leadership, the family business diversified into other industries, shaping the economy of the time. Vanderbilt II was also known for his involvement in the development of the New York Central Railroad, where he played a crucial role in establishing it as one of the leading railroads in the United States. His work in the transportation sector was instrumental in connecting various regions and facilitating commerce.

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Nathaniel Everett Green

Painter and astronomer of note
Born
August 21st, 1823 201 years ago
Died
1899 126 years ago — 76 years old

Born in England in 1823, this individual was a proficient painter and an astronomer. The body of work includes landscape paintings characterized by attention to natural detail and vibrant color. In astronomy, contributions involved the mapping and observation of celestial bodies. Active in both fields, the individual merged artistic vision with scientific inquiry.

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Lucy Pickens

Political spouse of a Confederate governor
Born
June 11th, 1832 193 years ago
Died
1899 126 years ago — 67 years old

Born in 1832, the individual was the wife of Francis Wilkinson Pickens, who served as the Governor of South Carolina during the American Civil War. The individual was actively involved in the social and political scene of the Confederacy, engaging with other prominent figures of the era. Historical accounts highlight her support for the Confederate cause and involvement in various social functions. Her home served as a gathering place for Confederate leaders. After the war, the individual continued to live in South Carolina, contributing to local society and culture.

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E. D. E. N. Southworth

American author of popular novels
Born
December 26th, 1819 205 years ago
Died
1899 126 years ago — 80 years old

An influential American author and educator, this individual published over 30 novels in the 19th century. The works often featured themes of women's strength and moral fortitude. The writing style combined realism and romanticism, appealing to a wide audience. Best known for the novel 'Nettie's Trial', which tackled social issues of the time, the person's literary contributions were significant in shaping American literature. Additionally, involvement in education highlighted a commitment to fostering learning and empowerment through knowledge.

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Paul Reuter

Journalist and founder of Reuters
Born
July 21st, 1816 208 years ago
Died
1899 126 years ago — 83 years old

Born in 1816, a German-English journalist established a global news agency that revolutionized the transmission of news. The foundational work laid emphasis on accuracy and timeliness, facilitating newsgathering through the usage of telegraph technology. This advancement enabled newspapers and other outlets to receive international news at unprecedented speeds. The agency became a trusted source for news coverage, providing information on finance, politics, and world events. Under this leadership, the organization expanded its reach and established a reputation for integrity in reporting.

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