Misc: what was the basis of the giant u.s prune industry?

Questions

In 1856 Peter Henry---------- , 1st to promote photography as an independent art, born.?

In 1888 Brazil abolishes---------- .?

In 1907 Daphne du ---------- novelist (Rebecca, The Parasites), born.?

In 1912 Royal Flying Corps established in---------- .?

In 1913 1st ---------- engine aircraft built & flown (Igor Sikorsky-Russia).?