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 178 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 175 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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Horatio Parker

American composer and organist, 'Mona's Song'
Born
September 15th, 1863 161 years ago
Died
1919 106 years ago — 56 years old

An organist, composer, and educator, contributed significantly to American classical music. Studied in Europe and returned to the U.S. to teach composition and music theory. Helped establish the music department at Yale University, profoundly influencing American music education. Composed operas, choral works, and orchestral pieces, with a notable focus on blending European traditions with American themes.

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Edward Charles Pickering

Astronomer and physicist, Harvard College Observatory director
Born
July 19th, 1846 178 years ago
Died
1919 106 years ago — 73 years old

Served as director of the Harvard College Observatory from 1877 to 1919, conducting extensive research in astronomy. Developed the first standard photographic methods for measuring the brightness of stars and created a stellar classification system. Led efforts to employ women in astronomy, notably hiring many as computer counters. Instrumental in the creation of the Henry Draper Catalogue, which listed over 225,000 stars and their spectra.

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Raymonde de Laroche

French aviation pioneer and pilot
Born
August 22nd, 1882 142 years ago
Died
1919 106 years ago — 37 years old

Born in 1882, a pioneering aviator in France gained recognition as the first woman to obtain a pilot's license in 1910. Her passion for aviation began when she attended a flying school. She trained under renowned aviators and rapidly progressed to flying solo. De Laroche participated in various competitions, showcasing her skills in the air. She also contributed to the advancement of aviation technology and encouraged women to pursue aviation as a career. Her achievements in a male-dominated field paved the way for future generations of female pilots.

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Carl Larsson

Swedish painter of folk life scenes
Born
May 28th, 1853 172 years ago
Died
1919 106 years ago — 66 years old

A Swedish painter and author, notable for depicting Swedish life, particularly in the context of family and rural culture. Critically acclaimed works include 'Laura' and 'A Home.' Larsson's vibrant watercolors and evocative sketches reflect the essence of Swedish craftsmanship and domestic life. He contributed significantly to the Arts and Crafts movement in Sweden. His artistic approach to illustrating everyday moments garnered attention both in Sweden and internationally, establishing a legacy that resonates in the fields of art and design.

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Henry Ware Eliot

Businessman and philanthropist in the U.S.
Born
November 25th, 1843 181 years ago
Died
1919 106 years ago — 76 years old

Involved in various business ventures throughout a successful career, directing efforts as president of the Eliot Corporation. Eliot contributed significantly to philanthropic endeavors, notably in education and the arts, establishing foundations and funding initiatives that supported cultural institutions. Active in the community, his contributions had lasting benefits for several organizations, reflecting a commitment to progress in society.

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