What Happened This Year 1903

People Who Died in 1903

Alois Hitler

Austrian civil servant
Born
June 7th, 1837 187 years ago
Died
January 3rd, 1903 122 years ago — 65 years old

Worked as a customs official in Austria and served in various bureaucratic roles. Played a significant part in the local administrative processes during his career. His professional life was marked by his involvement in the civil service, influencing the communities in which he lived.

Continue Reading

Ignaz Wechselmann

Hungarian architect and philanthropist
Born
1828 197 years ago
Died
January 17th, 1903 122 years ago — 75 years old

Contributed to architectural developments in Hungary during the late 19th century. Designed significant buildings, including the Hungarian Jewish Museum and the Rabbinical Seminary. Engaged in philanthropic efforts to support Jewish education and culture. Promoted modern architectural styles while preserving historical elements in his works.

Continue Reading

Augusta Holmès

Composer of orchestral and choral music
Born
December 18th, 1847 177 years ago
Died
January 28th, 1903 122 years ago — 55 years old

A French composer and pianist contributed significantly to late 19th-century music. Studied under notable musicians and gained recognition for compositions that blended romantic elements with influences from various cultures. Composed symphonic poems, operas, and choral works that showcased lyrical melodies and orchestral color. Maintained a prominent presence in Parisian musical life and was associated with the Schola Cantorum.

Continue Reading

Sir George Stokes

Physicist, mathematician, and politician
Born
August 13th, 1819 205 years ago
Died
February 1st, 1903 122 years ago — 83 years old

Contributed significantly to fluid dynamics and optics. Developed Stokes' theorem, fundamental in vector calculus. Served as the Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at Cambridge University. Contributed to the understanding of viscosity and the behavior of particles in fluid environments. Also engaged in public service and politics, holding various positions, including Member of Parliament.

Continue Reading

Charles Gavan Duffy

Irish-Australian politician, Premier of Victoria
Born
April 12th, 1816 208 years ago
Died
February 9th, 1903 122 years ago — 86 years old

Served as the 8th Premier of Victoria from 1871 to 1872. Initially involved in journalism and politics in Ireland, he later emigrated to Australia. Duffy's political career included significant contributions to the development of the colony and the promotion of land reforms. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Victorian Constitution and worked towards Australian federation. His later years were marked by his return to Ireland, where he engaged in nationalist politics.

Continue Reading

Hugo Wolf

Austrian composer known for art songs
Born
March 13th, 1860 165 years ago
Died
February 22nd, 1903 122 years ago — 42 years old

Austrian composer contributed significantly to the art song repertoire, crafting over 250 Lieder. Influenced by Richard Wagner, incorporated complex harmonies and emotional depth in compositions. Worked extensively in creating song cycles, with 'Mörike-Lieder' and 'Goethe-Lieder' being notable examples. His works are characterized by lyrical melodies and innovative piano accompaniments. Despite struggles with mental health and a relatively short life, produced an enduring body of work that is still performed today. Spent much of his life in Vienna, where he engaged with various cultural and musical circles.

Continue Reading

Richard Jordan Gatling

American engineer, inventor of the Gatling gun
Born
September 12th, 1818 206 years ago
Died
February 26th, 1903 122 years ago — 84 years old

An American engineer developed the Gatling gun, one of the earliest successful machine guns. The Gatling gun was patented in 1862 and saw extensive use during the American Civil War. Its design utilized a rotating barrel and a hand-crank mechanism, allowing rapid fire compared to traditional firearms. Gatling's invention significantly influenced military technology and warfare strategies. Later, the design was modified and improved for increased efficiency and reliability in subsequent conflicts. Gatling's contributions to engineering extended beyond firearms as he patented over a dozen inventions during his career.

Continue Reading

Joseph Henry Shorthouse

English author of 'John Inglesant'
Born
September 9th, 1834 190 years ago
Died
March 4th, 1903 122 years ago — 68 years old

An English author contributed significantly to Victorian literature. Best remembered for the novel 'John Inglesant', which delves into themes of religion and philosophy. Active during the late 19th century, he focused on writing that blends historical fiction with spiritual exploration. His works often reflect the influence of his Quaker upbringing and personal beliefs. Shorthouse's unique narrative style and character development showcased the complexities of moral and spiritual dilemmas, gaining recognition among contemporary audiences.

Continue Reading

Roy Bean

American justice of the peace
Born
1825 200 years ago
Died
March 16th, 1903 121 years ago — 78 years old

Served as a justice of the peace in Val Verde County, Texas. Held court informally in a saloon known as the 'Jersey Lilly.' Established a reputation for unconventional rulings, often influenced by personal beliefs. Became a legendary figure in the Old West, embodying the lawlessness and character of that era. His story inspired various works in literature and film.

Continue Reading