What Happened This Year 1912

People Who Died in 1912

Isidor Straus

Businessman and U.S. Congressman, Titanic victim
Born
February 6th, 1845 180 years ago
Died
1912 113 years ago — 67 years old

Born in 1845, a German-American businessman and politician, he co-owned Macy's department store and was a prominent figure in the retail industry. Elected to the United States Congress in 1893, he served as a Democratic representative for New York's 15th congressional district. His advocacy efforts focused on labor rights and education. He also played a significant role in philanthropic activities. Tragically, he perished in the sinking of the RMS Titanic in 1912 while traveling with his wife, Ida. His final moments exemplified devotion, as he insisted on remaining with her.

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Archibald Butt

United States Army Officer during WWI
Born
September 26th, 1865 159 years ago
Died
1912 113 years ago — 47 years old

Served as a military officer in the United States Army. Played a significant role in World War I, providing advisory support to top military leaders. Held the position of aide-de-camp to President Taft and later to President Wilson. Offered assistance in various military strategies and operations. Served until the end of the war and died in the sinking of the RMS Titanic.

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Francisco Lázaro

Marathon runner; 1911 Lisbon-Marathon champion
Born
January 21st, 1891 134 years ago
Died
1912 113 years ago — 21 years old

Born in Portugal, a marathon runner achieved notable success in the early 20th century. Competed in the 1911 Lisbon Marathon, finishing first and setting a record for the event. Participated in the 1912 Summer Olympics in Stockholm, representing Portugal. His performance laid the foundation for future Portuguese athletes in long-distance events. Lázaro faced challenges during his career but is remembered for his contributions to athletics in Portugal.

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Prince George Maximilianovich

6th Duke of Leuchtenberg
Born
February 29th, 1852 173 years ago
Died
1912 113 years ago — 60 years old

Born in 1852, this individual held the title of 6th Duke of Leuchtenberg, a noble title in the Russian Empire. The Duke was a member of the House of Beauharnais, which was prominent in both Russia and Europe. Engaged in various diplomatic and social functions, the Duke maintained connections with notable European aristocracy. His life spanned a period of significant political and social changes, which included the lead-up to the Russian Revolution. The Duke's family had roots tracing back to the Napoleonic era, influencing his position and the legacy of the Leuchtenberg family.

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Felix Dahn

German lawyer, historian, and author
Born
February 9th, 1834 191 years ago
Died
1912 113 years ago — 78 years old

Born in Germany, a lawyer and historian contributed significantly to the understanding of Germanic history. Authored several historical novels, with the most notable being "A Struggle Between the Gods," published in 1871. Played a crucial role in the study of the migration period and early medieval history. His works combined historical research with imaginative storytelling, bringing attention to the complexities of Germanic tribes and their influence on European history.

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Wallace Hartley

Violinist and bandleader on RMS Titanic
Born
June 2nd, 1878 146 years ago
Died
1912 113 years ago — 34 years old

A violinist and bandleader played on the RMS Titanic during its tragic maiden voyage in April 1912. The band continued to perform as the ship sank, contributing to the stories of heroism associated with the disaster. Hartley and his band members played music to calm passengers amidst chaos and uncertainty. Hartley’s life and the last performance of the band have been commemorated in various media, capturing the emotional gravity of the event.

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Cupid Childs

Baseball player, World's Champion 1890
Born
August 14th, 1867 157 years ago
Died
1912 113 years ago — 45 years old

Debuted in Major League Baseball in 1889 with the Cleveland Spiders. Played as an outfielder and became a notable player in the National League during the 1890s. Contributed to the Philadelphia Phillies and the St. Louis Browns, where remarkable performance included high batting averages and numerous runs. Achieved the distinction of being a member of the 1890 Pennsylvania State League championship team. Retired from professional baseball after several seasons, recognized for significant contributions to the sport.

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Józef Wieniawski

Polish pianist and composer of operas
Born
May 23rd, 1837 187 years ago
Died
1912 113 years ago — 75 years old

Born in Poland, a prominent pianist and composer focused on the Romantic era. Composed various works, including operas, orchestral pieces, and piano music. Held a significant position in music as both a performer and educator. Contributed to the development of Polish music and influenced future generations of musicians. Served as a professor at the Royal Conservatory in Brussels, where he nurtured talent and shared expertise. His works often showcased technical prowess and emotional depth, reflecting the musical trends of the period.

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Giovanni Pascoli

Italian poet and scholar with major works
Born
December 31st, 1855 169 years ago
Died
1912 113 years ago — 57 years old

Born in Italy in 1855, a significant poet and scholar of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His poetry dealt with themes of nature, rural life, and the human condition, reflecting personal experiences and universal emotions. Contributed to the Symbolist movement in Italy, blending personal narratives with broader societal themes. His collections, such as 'Myricae' and 'Poemi del Fanciullo,' established a foundation for modern Italian poetry. Emphasized simplicity in language and depth in emotion, influencing later generations of poets. Also served as a professor of Italian literature at the University of Bologna.

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