John Cay facts for kids
John Lidell Cay (born August 31, 1790 – died December 13, 1865) was an important Scottish advocate (a type of lawyer), a pioneer in photography, and someone who studied old things (antiquarian). He was also the Sheriff of Linlithgowshire from 1822 until 1865. He was the uncle of the famous scientist James Clerk Maxwell.
John Cay was one of the first members of the Edinburgh Calotype Club, which started in 1843. This was one of the very first photography clubs in the world! He loved early photography and worked with friends like Sir David Brewster, and famous photographers David Octavius Hill and Robert Adamson. He even showed off his early photos at the Royal Scottish Society of Arts.
A Look at John Cay's Life
John Cay was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, on August 31, 1790. His family lived on George Street. His father, Robert Hodshon Cay, was a judge, and his mother, Elizabeth Liddell, was a talented artist who painted portraits.
He went to the High School in Edinburgh and then studied law at the University of Edinburgh. In 1812, he became an advocate, meaning he could argue cases in court.
In 1821, John Cay became a member of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. At that time, he lived with his mother in a big, fancy house at 11 Heriot Row in Edinburgh. He was also the president of the Royal Scottish Society of Arts from 1848 to 1849.
John Cay passed away in Edinburgh on December 13, 1865.
His Family
John Cay had six sons and four daughters. Two of his sons, Robert and Edward, moved to Australia in the 1840s and became sheep farmers. One of his daughters, Frances, sadly died when she was a baby.
He was the uncle of James Clerk Maxwell, who is known for his important work in physics, especially with electricity and magnetism.
Artistic Recognition
There is a portrait of John Cay painted by his mother. This painting is now kept at the James Clerk Maxwell Museum.
