What Happened This Year 1909

People Who Died in 1909

Friedrich Martens

Historian and diplomat for Estonia-Russia
Born
August 27th, 1845 179 years ago
Died
June 20th, 1909 115 years ago — 63 years old

Born in 1845, a historian, lawyer, and diplomat contributed to international law and diplomacy. Played a key role in various peace conferences and was involved in efforts surrounding the Hague Peace Conventions. Served as a professor of international law at St. Petersburg University, influencing future legal frameworks. Authored notable works on diplomatic history and public international law, enhancing the academic discourse within these fields.

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Sarah Orne Jewett

American novelist and short story writer
Born
September 3rd, 1849 175 years ago
Died
June 24th, 1909 115 years ago — 59 years old

An American novelist and short story writer emerged in the late 19th century. She wrote predominantly about New England life, capturing the experiences of women and rural communities. Works include "The Country of the Pointed Firs," a prominent novella that showcases her detailed character studies and descriptions of rural Maine. Jewett's writing reflects her fascination with the landscape and the intricate connections between people and the environment.

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Simon Newcomb

Canadian-American astronomer and mathematician
Born
March 12th, 1835 190 years ago
Died
July 11th, 1909 115 years ago — 74 years old

An influential astronomer and mathematician, contributions spanned astronomy, mathematics, and predictive calculations for celestial phenomena. Played a significant role in the development of modern astronomical methods and collaborated with various scientific institutions. Served as director of the Nautical Almanac Office and published several works including extensive tables of planetary motion. Major contributions to the field included work on the theory of the orbits of comets and an extensive study of the measurements of stellar parallax.

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Frederick Holder

Australian politician, 19th Premier of South Australia
Born
May 12th, 1850 174 years ago
Died
July 23rd, 1909 115 years ago — 59 years old

Served as the 19th Premier of South Australia from 1910 to 1912. Was a member of the House of Assembly for the Liberal Union. Played a significant role in the development of the state's policies during his tenure. Actively participated in various legislative reforms.

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Mary MacKillop

Australian nun and co-founder of a religious order
Born
January 15th, 1842 183 years ago
Died
August 8th, 1909 115 years ago — 67 years old

Born in 1842, a significant religious figure co-founded the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart, aiming to address the educational needs of rural children in Australia. Established schools and charitable organizations, advocating for social justice and the improvement of living conditions for the impoverished. Canonized as a saint in 2010 by the Catholic Church, recognized as Australia's first saint. Contributed to the development of Catholic education in Australia, emphasizing the importance of accessibility to education for all.

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William Stanley

English engineer and philanthropist
Born
February 2nd, 1829 196 years ago
Died
August 14th, 1909 115 years ago — 80 years old

Contributed significantly to the development of electrical technology during the 19th century. Created innovations in electrical transformers that improved power distribution. Founded the first company to manufacture transformers, which played a critical role in advancing the electrical industry. Engaged in philanthropic efforts to support education and the welfare of communities.

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Euclides da Cunha

Brazilian sociologist and author.
Born
1866 159 years ago
Died
August 15th, 1909 115 years ago — 43 years old

A prominent Brazilian sociologist and journalist, contributed significantly to social sciences and literature in Brazil. Authored 'Os Sertões', a detailed account of the War of Canudos, highlighting the struggles of Brazilian hinterland inhabitants. Engaged in cultural and political discourse, examined Brazilian society and its complexities. Worked as a journalist, focusing on social issues and minority rights. His contributions to sociology and journalism remain influential in understanding Brazilian history and identity.

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Madan Lal Dhingra

Indian activist; assassination attempt
Born
1883 142 years ago
Died
August 17th, 1909 115 years ago — 26 years old

An Indian activist engaged in the struggle for India's independence from British rule. Dhingra studied in London, where he became involved with revolutionary groups advocating for Indian self-rule. He assassinated a British government official in 1909, an act aimed at attracting attention to the independence movement. Following the assassination, Dhingra was arrested and put on trial, where he defended his actions as a means of fighting imperialism. He was executed by hanging, and his actions are remembered as part of the early 20th-century revolutionary movement in India.

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Henry Radcliffe Crocker

Dermatologist and medical author
Born
1846 179 years ago
Died
August 22nd, 1909 115 years ago — 63 years old

Crocker specialized in dermatology and authored significant medical texts. His major work, 'Diseases of the Skin', became an essential reference in the field. He contributed to the advancement of dermatological knowledge and practice in England during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

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