- Oct 2 Orange Free state mobilizes
- Oct 3 J S Thurman patents motor-driven vacuum cleaner
- Oct 9 1st British troops reaches Durban, South Africa
- Oct 9 South Africa President Kruger routes British authorities ultimatum
- Oct 10 African-American inventor Issac R. Johnson patents the bicycle frame
- Oct 11 South African Boers declare war on Great Britain
- Oct 12 South Africa Boer Republic declares war on Britain
- Oct 13 7,000 laid-off black mine workers of South Africa reach Natal
Event of Interest
Oct 14 Morning Post reporter Winston Churchill departs to South Africa
- Oct 15 Cincinnati closes season with 16-1 & 19-3 victories over Cleve Spiders
- Oct 17 Sutro railroad sold to Robert F Morrow for $215,000
- Oct 20 American yacht Columbia beats the Shamrock challenge from Royal Ulster Yacht Club in 11th America's Cup
- Oct 20 Battle at Talana Hill, Natal: British army vs Boers
- Oct 21 Battle at Elandslaagte Natal: (Boers vs British army)
- Oct 22 British troops flee Dundee, Natal South Africa
- Oct 24 Battle at Rietfontein, South Africa: Boers vs British army
- Oct 30 Battle of Ladysmith, Natal: Boers defeat the British, leading to the Siege of Ladysmith
- Oct 30 British Morning Post reporter Winston Churchill reaches Capetown
Admirals
Aviators
Gangsters
Generals
Industrialists
Suffragists