Events for May 19

May 19, 1798

Lord Edward Fitzgerald, a leader of the United Irishmen, is betrayed by Francis Magan; is arrested and is shot while being apprehended

May 19, 1795

James Boswell, Scottish biographer of Samuel Johnson- died.

James Boswell, 9th Laird of Auchinleck (October 29, 1740 - May 19, 1795) was a lawyer, diarist, and author born in Edinburgh, Scotland. He was the eldest son of a judge, Alexander Boswell, 8th Laird of Auchinleck and his wife Euphemia Erskine, Lady Auchinleck. He is best known as the biographer of Samuel Johnson. His name has passed into the English language as a term (Boswell, Boswellian, Boswellism) for a constant companion and observer.

May 19, 1660

An Act by the British Parliament forbids the export of Irish wool

May 19, 1795

Death in Auchinleck of James Boswell, biographer of Dr Johnston.