James Bonar (scholar) facts for kids
James Bonar (1757–1821) was a Scottish lawyer and a keen amateur astronomer. He worked as a lawyer for the government's tax department in Scotland. Bonar was known as a smart scholar and a strong supporter of important learning groups. He was also a respected member of the Royal Society of Edinburgh.
Life in Edinburgh
James Bonar was born on September 29, 1757. He was the eighth son of John Bonar, a minister from Perth, Scotland. James went to the High School in Edinburgh and later studied at Edinburgh University.
After his studies, Bonar started working in the government's tax office. However, he quickly became known for his intelligence and love of learning. He joined the Speculative Society at Edinburgh University, which was a debating club. He also became the treasurer for the Royal Society of Edinburgh for many years.
Bonar was one of the first people to help start the Astronomical Institution. This was a group for people interested in studying stars and planets. He also helped create the Edinburgh Subscription Library in 1794. This library allowed members to pay a fee to borrow books.
In March 1788, Bonar made an important discovery. He found out that a man named Deacon Brodie was involved in dishonest activities at the tax office where Bonar worked. This office was located at Chessel's Court on the Canongate.
From the year 1800, James Bonar lived at Paterson's Court in the Broughton area of Edinburgh. He passed away in his home in Broughton on March 25, 1821. Bonar is buried in the Canongate Kirkyard in Edinburgh. Many of his children and grandchildren are also buried nearby.
His Writings and Works
James Bonar was a talented writer. He wrote an article about "Posts" for the Encyclopædia Britannica in 1794. He also wrote several articles for the Edinburgh Encyclopædia between 1808 and 1818. These articles covered topics like "Alphabet Characters," "Etymology," "Excise," and "Hieroglyphics."
Bonar also wrote a detailed study called "Disquisition on the Origin and Radical Sense of the Greek Prepositions" in 1804. He helped edit a new version of Ewing's Greek Grammar. He also wrote articles for other magazines like the Edinburgh Magazine and the Missionary Magazine. In 1788, he published an English version of Hans Holbein the Younger's Dance of Death.
His Family
In March 1797, James Bonar married Marjory Pyott Maitland. They had a large family with five sons and three daughters.
Some of his sons became very important figures in the Free Church of Scotland. These included James Bonar, Horatius Bonar, and Andrew Bonar.
