Historical Events May 17 Louis Jolliet & Jacques Marquette begin exploring Mississippi Famous Birthdays May 8 Johann Valentin Eckelt, German composer, born in Werningshausen, Germany (d. 1732) May 29 Cornelis van Bijnkershoek, Dutch jurist who helped develop international law along positivist lines, born in Middelburg, Netherlands (d. 1743) Famous Deaths May 7 Johannes Teellinck, Dutch vicar, dies at about 58 May 13 Jacob Aertsz Colom, Dutch publisher (Consolation of the Sea), dies at 73 1672 History by Year 1674