What Happened This Year 1919

People Who Died in 1919

Hermann Weingärtner

German gymnast and Olympic champion
Born
August 27th, 1864 160 years ago
Died
December 22nd, 1919 105 years ago — 55 years old

Competed in artistic gymnastics during the late 19th century. Participated in the 1896 Summer Olympics in Athens, where gymnastics was featured as a new sport. Achieved significant success by winning three medals, including a gold in the team event, contributing to the early prominence of gymnastics in Olympic history.

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Achilles Alferaki

Russian composer and politician
Born
July 3rd, 1846 179 years ago
Died
December 27th, 1919 105 years ago — 73 years old

Born in 1846, a prominent composer and politician in Russia, served as the Governor of Taganrog. Contributed significantly to the musical landscape of the region while engaging in political affairs. His compositions reflected the cultural milieu of 19th-century Russia. Maintained a dual focus on both governance and music, illustrating a commitment to public service and artistic expression.

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Johannes Rydberg

Swedish physicist and academic
Born
November 8th, 1854 170 years ago
Died
December 28th, 1919 105 years ago — 65 years old

Rydberg contributed significantly to the field of physics, specifically in atomic spectroscopy. Developed the Rydberg formula, which describes the wavelengths of spectral lines in many chemical elements. The formula has broad applications in understanding atomic structures and transitions. Held a professorship at the University of Lund and influenced the development of quantum theory during his academic career.

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William Osler

Physician and medical educator
Born
July 12th, 1849 176 years ago
Died
December 29th, 1919 105 years ago — 70 years old

A prominent physician and medical educator, Osler contributed significantly to the field of medicine. He co-founded the Johns Hopkins Hospital and introduced the concept of bedside teaching, transforming medical education. His textbook, 'The Principles and Practice of Medicine', became an essential resource for medical students and professionals. Osler's advocacy for the humane treatment of patients and the importance of clinical experience greatly influenced medical practice and pedagogy.

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Gustav Landauer

German theorist and social activist
Born
April 7th, 1870 155 years ago
Died
1919 106 years ago — 49 years old

A key figure in the early 20th-century German anarchist movement, engaged in promoting social change through radical ideas. Advocated for a decentralized, cooperative society based on communal living. Participated in the Bavarian Revolution of 1918 and served briefly in a government role at its inception. Wrote extensively about socialism, humanism, and spirituality, integrating these themes into a coherent vision of a transformed society. His writings emphasized the importance of community and the critique of state authority.

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Mary Edwards Walker

Surgeon, activist, Medal of Honor recipient
Born
November 26th, 1832 192 years ago
Died
1919 106 years ago — 87 years old

Born in 1832, a pioneering surgeon and women's rights advocate operated during the Civil War. Served as a contract surgeon for the Union Army, treating wounded soldiers. Arrested for her efforts to support the Union cause and later captured by Confederate troops. After the war, dedicated efforts to women's suffrage and advocated for dress reform. Received the Medal of Honor in 1865, making significant contributions to medicine and social reform.

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Adolf Hurwitz

Mathematician known for functional analysis
Born
March 26th, 1859 166 years ago
Died
1919 106 years ago — 60 years old

Contributions included significant work in the field of mathematics, focusing on functional analysis and number theory. Served as a professor at the University of Königsberg, later at the University of Zurich. Published several important papers and texts in mathematics, enriching the discipline.

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Huseyn Khan Nakhchivanski

Russian General and military commander
Born
July 28th, 1863 162 years ago
Died
1919 106 years ago — 56 years old

Born in 1863, a military officer in the Imperial Russian Army rose through the ranks to become a general. Served in various military campaigns, including World War I. After the revolution, held significant posts in the newly formed Soviet military structure. Contributed to military reforms and education in the Soviet Army during the 1920s before retiring from active service.

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Josaphata Hordashevska

Ukrainian Greek-Catholic nun
Born
November 20th, 1869 155 years ago
Died
1919 106 years ago — 50 years old

Established the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate, a religious congregation in the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church. Focused on education and social services, contributed to the development of the parishes and communities across Ukraine and beyond. Worked to promote the role of women in society and the church, fostering spiritual and moral growth among her followers. Prioritized the welfare of orphans and the marginalized in society.

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