What Happened in May 1752

Historical Events


Event of interestEvent of Interest

May 10 Benjamin Franklin tests the lightning conductor with his kite-flying experiment

United States Founding Father Benjamin Franklin
United States Founding Father
Benjamin Franklin
  • May 11 1st US fire insurance policy issued in Philadelphia

Famous Birthdays

  • May 2 Ludwig August Lebrun, German composer, born in Mannheim, Germany (d. 1790)
  • May 3 Braz Francisco de Lima, Portuguese composer (d. 1813)
  • May 4 John Brooks, 11th Governor of Massachusetts (1816-23), born in Medford (d. 1825)
  • May 11 Johann Friedrich Blumenbach, German anthropologist (d. 1840)
  • May 14 Albrecht Thaer, German agronomist (d. 1828)
  • May 14 Timothy Dwight, American theologian (d. 1817)

Famous Deaths

  • May 3 Samuel Ogle, British provincial Governor of Maryland (b. c. 1692)
  • May 4 Pieter Snyers, Flemish painter/engraver, dies at 71
  • May 23 William Bradford, English-born printer (Pennsylvania's first printing press), dies at 89