1794

Events in 1794 5

• 1794 – 1877 Cornelius Vanderbilt (1794-1877) Died 4 January 1877, aged 82 Cornelius Vanderbilt built a fortune in steamships and railroads, controlling the New York Central Railroad and much of the rail traffic into New York City. At his death he was among the wealthiest men in American history and left the bulk of his estate to his son William. He endowed Vanderbilt University with a founding gift in 1873.
• 1794 – 1871 George Grote (1794-1871) Died 18 June 1871, aged 76 Grote was an English banker and historian best known for his twelve-volume History of Greece, a major work of nineteenth-century classical scholarship. He was also active in politics as a radical reformer and served as a Member of Parliament. He helped found University College London and later served as its vice-chancellor.
• 1794 – 1854 John Gibson Lockhart (1794-1854) Died 25 November 1854, aged 60 Lockhart was a Scottish writer and editor best known for his acclaimed biography of his father-in-law, novelist Sir Walter Scott. He also served for many years as editor of the Quarterly Review.
• 1794 – 1878 William Cullen Bryant (1794-1878) Died 12 June 1878, aged 83 An American poet and longtime editor of the New York Evening Post, he was among the most celebrated American poets of the 19th century for works such as "Thanatopsis." He also championed causes including the abolition of slavery and the creation of Central Park. He died from complications after a fall in New York City.
• 1794 – 1866 William Whewell (1794-1866) Died 6 March 1866, aged 71 English polymath and Master of Trinity College, Cambridge, who coined the term "scientist" and made major contributions to the philosophy and history of science. He also wrote influential works on mechanics, mineralogy, and moral philosophy.