- Jan 9 Don Joaquin BF Espartero, fieldmarshall/viceroy of Navarra, dies at 86
- Jan 13 Henry the Navigator, prince of the Netherlands, third son of King William II of the Netherlands, dies at 58
- Jan 16 Octave Crémazie, French Canadian poet, dies at 51
- Jan 22 Anthony Durnford, British colonel, dies in Battle of Isandlwana
- Jan 22 George Shepstone, British political affiliate, dies in battle
- Jan 23 Adolf Jensen, composer, dies at 42
- Jan 29 Antonia MB Antonucci, Italian cardinal/diplomat, dies at 80