Births on January 31

François Devienne, French flute player and composer (d. 1803)

François Devienne (French: [dəvjɛn]; 31 January 1759 – 5 September 1803) was a French composer and professor for flute at the Paris Conservatory.[1]

11 Jan

Life insurance
In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the first American life insurance company is incorporated.
1 May

Wedgwood
Josiah Wedgwood founds the Wedgwood pottery company in Great Britain.
25 Jul

Fort Niagara
French and Indian War: In Western New York, British forces capture Fort Niagara from the French, who subsequently abandon Fort Rouillé.
1 Aug

Battle of Minden
Seven Years' War: The Battle of Minden, an allied Anglo-German army victory over the French. In Britain this was one of a number of events that constituted the Annus Mirabilis of 1759 and is celebrated as Minden Day by certain British Army regiments.
18 Sep

Quebec City
Seven Years' War: The British capture Quebec City.