John Lee (astronomer) facts for kids
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John Lee (born John Fiott, 1783–1866) was an amazing English person. He was a kind helper, an expert on stars, a math whiz, and a coin collector. He also studied old things and was a lawyer.
He earned special degrees like LL.D and was a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS), which means he was a top scientist.
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John Lee's Family and Early Life
John Lee was born John Fiott in 1783. He was the oldest son of John Fiott and Harriet. Sadly, he became an orphan when he was young.
His uncle, William Lee Antonie, took care of him. His uncle was part of the important Lee family.
His Education and Travels
John Lee studied Mathematics at St John's College, Cambridge from 1802 to 1806. He was a very good student, graduating as one of the top five in his year. He became a special member of the college in 1808.
After his studies, from 1807 to 1815, he traveled a lot. He visited places in the Middle East and Europe. During these trips, he became very interested in antiquities, which are old objects and buildings.
His Personal Life
In 1816, John changed his last name from Fiott to Lee. He did this after his uncle, William Lee Antonie, passed away in 1815.
In 1833, John Lee married Cecilia Rutter. She was from Lymington. He described her as a kind and good person. Cecilia passed away in 1854.
A year later, in 1855, he married again. His second wife was Louisa Catherine. John Lee died in 1866 at his home, Hartwell House.
His Homes and Estates
In 1815, John Lee inherited several properties from his uncle. These included Colworth House in Bedfordshire and Totteridge Park. He had to change his name to Lee to receive them.
In 1827, he inherited Hartwell House, Buckinghamshire and other family estates. This grand house became his main home from 1829 until he died.
John Lee loved to invite scientists to stay at Hartwell House. He would host about 30 to 40 scientists for up to a month! They would discuss their newest ideas and discoveries. Famous guests included William Henry Smyth.
John Lee was a very smart and scholarly person. He didn't care much for fancy aristocratic life. He dressed simply and didn't like tobacco or alcohol.
John Lee did not have any children of his own. His nephew, Edward Dyke Lee, inherited his estates after him.
His Scientific Work and Contributions
John Lee was very interested in science. Between 1830 and 1839, he built an astronomical observatory at Hartwell House. This was a special building for studying stars and planets.
He helped start the Royal Meteorological Society in 1850. This society studies weather and climate. He was even its president from 1855 to 1857.
On May 14, 1824, John Lee became a member of the Royal Astronomical Society. He was also its president from 1861 to 1863.
He was a member of many other important groups too. These included the Society of Antiquaries of London (for old things) and the Philological Society (for language). In 1831, he became a Fellow of the Royal Society, which is a great honor for scientists. He was also the first president of the Numismatic Society of London in 1836. This society studies coins and medals.
John Lee also served as the Chairman of the London Peace Society. This group worked to promote peace.
In 1863, when he was 80 years old, he became a barrister (a type of lawyer). The very next year, he became a Q.C., which is a special title for top lawyers.
A crater on the Moon is named "Lee" after him!
