January 17th
- 1818 – Whitley County formed.
- 1882 – Ralph Waldo Emerson Gilbert born.
- 1886 – William Howard Irwin died, aged ~67.
- 1903 – Charles Champion Gilbert died, aged 80.
- 1925 – Joseph E. Carrico born.
- 1932 – John W. Langley died, aged 64.
- 1942 – Muhammad Ali born.
- 1944 – Denny Doyle born.
- 1956 – James Lee born.