Events in History Aug 14 Massachusetts colonists challenge British rule by an Elm (Liberty Tree) Birthdays in History Aug 21 William IV, King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland (1830-37), born in Buckingham House, London (d. 1837) Deaths in History Aug 18 Francis I, Holy Roman Emperor (1745-65) dies at 56 Aug 19 Axel Fredrik Cronstedt, Swedish Chemist who discovered nickel and tungsten, dies at 42 1764 On This Day in History 1766