Births on December 18

Lyman Abbott, American minister, theologian, and author (d. 1922)

Lyman J. Abbott (December 18, 1835 – October 22, 1922) was an American Congregationalist theologian, editor, and author.

14 Feb

Latter Day Saint movement
The original Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, in the Latter Day Saint movement, is formed in Kirtland, Ohio.
15 Sep

Charles Darwin
HMS Beagle, with Charles Darwin aboard, reaches the Galápagos Islands. The ship lands at Chatham or San Cristobal, the easternmost of the archipelago.
20 Sep

Ragamuffin War
Ragamuffin rebels capture Porto Alegre, then capital of the Brazilian imperial province of Rio Grande do Sul, triggering the start of ten-year-long Ragamuffin War.
2 Oct

Battle of Gonzales
The Texas Revolution begins with the Battle of Gonzales: Mexican soldiers attempt to disarm the people of Gonzales, Texas, but encounter stiff resistance from a hastily assembled militia.
28 Oct

Declaration of the Independence of New Zealand
The United Tribes of New Zealand is established with the signature of the Declaration of Independence.