Births on September 17

Marthinus Wessel Pretorius

Born on September 17, 1819

Marthinus Wessel Pretorius, South African general and politician, 1st President of the South African Republic (d. 1901)

Marthinus Wessel Pretorius (17 September 1819 – 19 May 1901) was the first president of the South African Republic, and also compiled the constitution of the Republic.

After the death of his father, the Voortrekker leader Andries Pretorius, in 1853, he was appointed as the Commandant-General of the ZAR (South African Republic) and moved from his farm Kalkheuwel, near Broederstroom, to the city of Potchefstroom. He was the last Head of State of Potchefstroom between 1853 and 1856. He was a South African Freemason.

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Events on 1819

19 Feb

South Shetland Islands
British explorer William Smith discovers the South Shetland Islands and claims them in the name of King George III.
1 Jul

Great Comet of 1819
Johann Georg Tralles discovers the Great Comet of 1819, (C/1819 N1). It was the first comet analyzed using polarimetry, by François Arago.
7 Aug

Battle of Boyacá
Simón Bolívar triumphs over Spain in the Battle of Boyacá.

Births on September 17

Marthinus Wessel Pretorius

Born on September 17, 1819

References

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Events on 1819

South Shetland Islands

Great Comet of 1819

Battle of Boyacá