Florence Taylor Hildred facts for kids
Florence Taylor Hildred (1865–1932) was a remarkable woman. She was the first female member of the Leeds Astronomical Society in England. Later, she became a pastor for a church group in Sacramento, USA. There, she made history as the first woman in the city to lead a marriage ceremony.
Early Life
Florence was born in Leeds, England, in November 1865. Her father, Charles Henry Taylor, was a rich owner of an iron foundry. It is thought that Florence might have trained to be a school teacher.
Her Work in Astronomy
Florence joined the Leeds Astronomical Society in 1895. This Society, which had recently restarted, was keen to have women members. Many of its main members supported women's rights. Florence was very active. She wrote and gave lectures. She also prepared papers to be published.
She was very interested in the history of women in astronomy. She also supported women's right to vote. Florence gave two important lectures. In 1896, she spoke about Caroline Herschel, a famous astronomer. This lecture was published in the Society's Transactions. In 1897, she lectured about Mary Somerville. Her talk was called 'Mary Somerville, the great Woman Astronomer and Mathematician'. This was also published. Florence saw Somerville's work as a great example. She believed it showed what modern women could achieve. This was especially true as more women could now go to college. The Society's President, Washington Teasdale, praised Florence's lecture. He spoke about the work of many women astronomers. He also said that women were just as smart as men.
Life in America
Florence married Charles Hildred, a farmer from Yorkshire, in Leeds on February 2, 1898. In June 1898, the couple moved to Wilmont, Minnesota. Later, they moved to Sacramento, California. Even after moving, Florence stayed in touch with the Leeds Astronomical Society. She wrote a letter thanking them for a gift. She also said she wanted to remain a member.
In 1904, Florence wrote to the Society again. She asked if they had built a public observatory. She offered to give £100 to help start the project. The Society used her money to help build the Cecil Duncombe Observatory. This observatory was on Woodhouse Moor (it is no longer there). In 1909, Florence was made an Honorary member of the Society. She remained a member until at least 1921.
Her Legacy
Florence is buried with her husband in East Lawn Memorial Park in Sacramento. Her story was part of an exhibition. This exhibition, called Leeds to Innovation, was held at the Leeds Industrial Museum at Armley Mills. It ran from October 26, 2019, to September 26, 2020.
