Births on August 12

Martha Hedman, Swedish-American actress and playwright (d. 1974)

Martha Hedman (August 12, 1883 – June 20, 1974) was a Swedish-American stage actress popular on the Broadway stage.

16 Jan

United States Civil Service Commission
The Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act, establishing the United States Civil Service, is passed.
20 May

1883 eruption of Krakatoa
Krakatoa begins to erupt; the volcano explodes three months later, killing more than 36,000 people.
17 Aug

National Anthem of the Dominican Republic
The first public performance of the Dominican Republic's national anthem, Himno Nacional.
20 Oct

Treaty of Ancón
Peru and Chile sign the Treaty of Ancón, by which the Tarapacá province is ceded to the latter, bringing an end to Peru's involvement in the War of the Pacific.
3 Nov

Black Bart (outlaw)
American Old West: Self-described "Black Bart the poet" gets away with his last stagecoach robbery, but leaves a clue that eventually leads to his capture.