On this day: 19 May

Selected events and births on 19 May, from Wikipedia’s “On this day”.

Events

• 1674 – John III Sobieski was elected by the szlachta as the monarch of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth. Read more: John III Sobieski Szlachta Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth
• 1743 – French physicist Jean-Pierre Christin published the design of a mercury thermometer using the centigrade scale, with 0 representing the melting point of water and 100 its boiling point. Read more: Jean-Pierre Christin Mercury-in-glass thermometer Celsius
• 1780 – A combination of thick smoke, fog, and heavy cloud cover caused darkness to fall on parts of Canada and the New England area of the United States by noon. Read more: New England's Dark Day New England
• 1828 – The United States Congress passed the largest tariff in the nation's history, which resulted in severe economic hardship in the American South. Read more: United States Congress Tariff of Abominations
• 1962 – Actress Marilyn Monroe performed a sultry rendition of "Happy Birthday to You" during a televised celebration for U.S. President John F. Kennedy. Read more: Marilyn Monroe Happy Birthday, Mr. President Happy Birthday to You
• 1997 – The Sierra Gorda Biosphere, which encompasses the most ecologically diverse region in Mexico, was established as a result of grassroots efforts. Read more: Sierra Gorda Ecosystem diversity Grassroots
• 2015 – A corroded pipeline near Refugio State Beach, California, spilled 142,800 gallons (3,400 barrels) of crude oil onto the Gaviota Coast. Read more: Refugio State Beach Refugio oil spill Gaviota Coast
• 2018 – The wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle (both pictured) took place at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle, England. Read more: Wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex Meghan, Duchess of Sussex

Born on this day

• 1955 – James Gosling, Canadian-American computer scientist, created Java Read more: James Gosling Java (programming language)
• 1956 – Oliver Letwin, English philosopher and politician, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Read more: Oliver Letwin Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster
• 1992 – Michele Camporese, Italian footballer Read more: Michele Camporese
• 1992 – Ola John, Dutch footballer Read more: Ola John
• 1992 – Felise Kaufusi, New Zealand-Tongan rugby league player Read more: Felise Kaufusi
• 1994 – Carlos Guzmán, Mexican footballer Read more: Carlos Guzmán
• 1995 – Taane Milne, New Zealand rugby league player Read more: Taane Milne
• 1996 – Michael Carcone, Canadian ice hockey player Read more: Michael Carcone
• 2001 – Elizabeth Mandlik, American tennis player Read more: Elizabeth Mandlik
• 2002 – Riccardo Calafiori, Italian footballer Read more: Riccardo Calafiori
• 2002 – Rafa Marín, Spanish footballer Read more: Rafa Marín
• 2003 – Jojo Siwa, American dancer, singer, actress, and YouTube personality Read more: JoJo Siwa

Text from Wikipedia: Selected anniversaries / May 19 and the linked articles, via the Wikimedia “On this day” feed, under CC BY-SA 4.0. We leave out entries about wars, violence and disasters to keep this page family-friendly.