- Oct 5 Thomas Greatorex, English composer, born in Chesterfield, Derbyshire (d. 1831)
- Oct 7 Paul Anton Wineberger, composer
- Oct 11 Wilhelm Olbers, German astronomer and physician, discovered asteroids (Pallas & Vesta), born in Bremen, Germany (d. 1840)
Noah Webster (1758-1843)
Oct 16 American lexicographer (Webster's Dictionary), born in West Hartford, Connecticut
- Oct 26 Louis-Charles-Joseph Rey, French classical cellist and composer, born in Lauzerte, France (d. 1811)