Deaths on April 1

Benjamin Pierce (governor)

Died on April 1, 1839

Benjamin Pierce, American soldier and politician, 11th Governor of New Hampshire (b. 1757)

Benjamin Pierce (December 25, 1757 – April 1, 1839) was a colonial soldier in the American Revolutionary War and an American Democratic-Republican politician, who served as the 11th governor of New Hampshire from 1827 to 1828 and from 1829 to 1830. He was the father of Franklin Pierce, the 14th president of the United States.

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Events on 1839

3 Jun

First Opium War
In Humen, China, Lin Tse-hsü destroys 1.2 million kg of opium confiscated from British merchants, providing Britain with a casus belli to open hostilities, resulting in the First Opium War.
17 Jun

Edict of toleration
In the Kingdom of Hawaii, Kamehameha III issues the edict of toleration which gives Roman Catholics the freedom to worship in the Hawaiian Islands. The Hawaii Catholic Church and the Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace are established as a result.
22 Jun

Treaty of New Echota
Cherokee leaders Major Ridge, John Ridge, and Elias Boudinot are assassinated for signing the Treaty of New Echota, which had resulted in the Trail of Tears.
2 Jul

La Amistad
Twenty miles off the coast of Cuba, 53 rebelling African slaves led by Joseph Cinqué take over the slave ship Amistad.
23 Aug

First Opium War
The United Kingdom captures Hong Kong as a base as it prepares for war with Qing China. The ensuing three-year conflict will later be known as the First Opium War.

Deaths on April 1

Benjamin Pierce (governor)

Died on April 1, 1839

References

Choose Another Date

Events on 1839

First Opium War

Edict of toleration

Treaty of New Echota

La Amistad

First Opium War