Apr 1 1st edition of The Standard Apr 2 US engineer George Brayton patents an internal combustion engine (Brayton Cycle) Apr 9 Samuel R Percy patents dried milk Apr 10 1st National black convention meets in New Orleans Apr 10 1st Arbor Day celebrated in Nebraska, later changed to Apr 22 Event of Interest Apr 12 Jesse James gang robs bank in Columbia, Kentucky (1 dead/$1,500) OutlawJesse James Apr 14 Dominion Lands Act passed: Canada's Homestead Act Apr 14 San Francisco organizes Bar Association Apr 24 Volcano Mt Vesuvius erupts in Italy 1871 Historical Events by Year 1873