What Happened This Year 1904

People Who Died in 1904

Hermann de Pourtalès

Swiss sailor and Olympic champion
Born
March 31st, 1847 178 years ago
Died
November 28th, 1904 121 years ago — 57 years old

Born in Switzerland, participated in sailing events during his athletic career. Competed in the 1900 Paris Olympics, where sailing was included for the first time. Achieved significant success, winning a gold medal in the 1 to 2 ton sailing class. Dedicated to the sport, contributed to the growth of competitive sailing in Switzerland, particularly in yacht racing.

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David Bratton

American water polo player
Born
1869 156 years ago
Died
December 3rd, 1904 121 years ago — 35 years old

A water polo player represented the United States in international competitions during the early 20th century. Competed in the 1904 St. Louis Summer Olympics, where water polo was included as an official Olympic sport. The team achieved a gold medal in the event. Active in the sport's development, contributed to its popularity in the United States during a formative period.

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William Shiels

Politician and 16th Premier of Victoria
Born
December 3rd, 1848 177 years ago
Died
December 17th, 1904 121 years ago — 56 years old

Born in Ireland and emigrated to Australia, Shiels became a prominent politician in Victoria. He served as the 16th Premier of Victoria from 1892 to 1893. His time in office was marked by efforts to improve social services and infrastructure in the region. Throughout a long political career, Shiels held various positions in the Victorian government, contributing to legislative developments in the late 19th century.

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Francis Boott

American composer and music educator
Born
June 24th, 1813 212 years ago
Died
1904 121 years ago — 91 years old

Born in 1813, contributed significantly to the American music scene as a composer and educator. Studied music in Europe before returning to the United States, where involvement in various musical societies and teaching shaped his career. Composed numerous works, including operas, chamber music, and art songs, which reflected European influences blended with American themes. Served as a director of the Boston Academy of Music and was instrumental in the establishment of music education in the region.

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Alexander William Williamson

English chemist and academic
Born
May 1st, 1824 201 years ago
Died
1904 121 years ago — 80 years old

Contributed significantly to the field of chemistry, particularly in organic chemistry. Developed Williamson ether synthesis, an important method for forming ethers. Held a position as a professor at University College London. Published many influential papers that advanced chemical knowledge during the 19th century.

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Édouard Thilges

Luxembourgish Prime Minister
Born
February 17th, 1817 208 years ago
Died
1904 121 years ago — 87 years old

Served as the 7th Prime Minister of Luxembourg from 1867 to 1874. Thilges was a prominent figure in Luxembourg's legal and political landscape during the 19th century, contributing to the development of the nation’s legal framework and governance structures. His term saw significant political changes and discussions surrounding the constitutional structure of Luxembourg. Thilges also played a key role in addressing the social and economic issues of the time.

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Karl Emil Franzos

Austrian novelist and playwright
Born
October 25th, 1848 177 years ago
Died
1904 121 years ago — 56 years old

An Austrian novelist and playwright, this individual contributed significantly to literature during the late 19th century. Born in 1848, the works often explored themes of Jewish life and identity. The literary career started with the publication of stories and novels that delved into the cultural and social issues of the time. One of the major achievements was the novel 'Der Pojaz', which reflects the complexities faced by Jews in Austria. Additionally, efforts included translations of works from other languages, making significant literary contributions to German literature. The individual also engaged in public discourse regarding Jewish rights and cultural identity.

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John Brown Gordon

American general and Georgia governor
Born
February 6th, 1832 193 years ago
Died
1904 121 years ago — 72 years old

Born in 1832, an American general and politician played significant roles during the Civil War, rising to the rank of major general in the Confederate Army. After the war, held the position of 53rd Governor of Georgia from 1886 to 1890. Focused on economic development and education within the state. Actively involved in the post-war Southern political landscape and contributed to the founding of the state-sponsored Georgia Military College.

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Étienne-Jules Marey

Physiologist and chronophotographer
Born
March 5th, 1830 195 years ago
Died
1904 121 years ago — 74 years old

Contributed significantly to the study of movement through the invention of chronophotography. Developed a technique that captured multiple frames in a single photograph, allowing for the analysis of motion. Played a critical role in the understanding of biomechanics and physiology. Later, worked on the development of graphic methods for studying physiological processes.

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