Historical Events
- Jan 11 1st American life insurance company incorporated, Philadelphia
British Museum Opens its Doors
Jan 15 British Museum opens in Montague House, London
Famous Birthdays
- Jan 4 Maria Rosa Coccia, Italian composer from the age of 13 and harpsichordist, born in Rome, Papal States (d. 1833)
- Jan 5 Jacques Cathelineau, French royalist & army leader, born in Le Pin-en-Mauges, France (d. 1793)
- Jan 17 Paul Cuffe, African American civil rights activist, merchant and shipbuilder (helped settle Sierra Leone), born on Cuttyhunk Island, Massachusetts (d. 1817)
- Jan 21 Johan Valckenaer, Dutch politician and law professor, born in Franeker, Netherlands (d. 1821)
Robert Burns (1759-1796)
Jan 25 Scottish poet (Auld Lang Syne) considered the national poet of Scotland, born in Alloway, Scotland
- Jan 31 François Devienne, French composer, born in Joinville, France (d. 1803)
Famous Weddings
Martha and George Washington
Jan 6 US 1st President George Washington marries Martha Dandridge Custis at White House Plantation
Famous Deaths
- Jan 1 Jacques-Joachim Trotti, Marquis de La Chétardie, French adventurer, dies at 54
- Jan 3 Marquis & Marquess of Tavora, Portuguese nobles, executed
- Jan 5 Thomas Philip Wallrad de Hénin-Liétard d'Alsace, Cardinal- Archbishop of Mechelen, Belgium, dies at 79
- Jan 12 Anne, Princess Royal and Princess of Orange, eldest daughter of King George II of Great Britain, dies at 49
