- May 6 Hubert Léonard, Belgian violinist, and pedagogue (Brussels Conservatoire, 1848-67), dies at 71
- May 7 James Nasmyth, Scottish engineer and inventor of the steam hammer, dies at 81
- May 19 Gus Kempis, South African cricketer (South Africa's 1st Test), dies of fever at 24
- May 28 Viktor Nessler, Alsatian composer, dies at 49