Deaths on May 18

Elijah Craig

Died on May 18, 1808

Elijah Craig, American minister, inventor, and educator, invented Bourbon whiskey (b. 1738)

Elijah Craig (November 15, 1738 – May 18, 1808) was a Baptist preacher in Virginia, who became an educator and capitalist entrepreneur in the area of Virginia that later became the state of Kentucky. He has sometimes, although rather dubiously, been credited with the invention of bourbon whiskey.

References

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Events on 1808

22 Jan

Invasion of Portugal (1807)
The Portuguese royal family arrives in Brazil after fleeing the French army's invasion of Portugal two months earlier.
6 Apr

American Fur Company
John Jacob Astor incorporates the American Fur Company, that would eventually make him America's first millionaire.
8 Apr

Pope Pius VII
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Baltimore is promoted to an archdiocese, with the founding of the dioceses of New York, Philadelphia, Boston, and Bardstown (now Louisville) by Pope Pius VII.
3 May

Sveaborg
Finnish War: Sweden loses the fortress of Sveaborg to Russia.
6 Jun

Joseph Bonaparte
Napoleon's brother, Joseph Bonaparte, is crowned King of Spain.

Deaths on May 18

Elijah Craig

Died on May 18, 1808

References

Choose Another Date

Events on 1808

Invasion of Portugal (1807)

American Fur Company

Pope Pius VII

Sveaborg

Joseph Bonaparte