John Smith (astronomer) facts for kids

John Smith by Joshua Reynolds

John Smith (baptised 14 October 1711 – 17 June 1795) was an English scholar, astronomer, and priest. He was also known as a Doctor of Divinity. For many years, he helped lead the famous Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge. He also studied the night sky as a professor of astronomy. He lived during the 18th century and was painted by the famous artist Joshua Reynolds.

Early Life and School Days

John Smith grew up in the English countryside. He was born in the village of Coltishall in Norfolk, England. His father, Henry Smith, worked as a lawyer, and his mother was named Elizabeth Johnson. John was their second son.

Young John attended two different schools while growing up. First, he spent three years studying at Norwich Grammar School. After that, he traveled to Berkshire to spend six years at Eton College, which was one of England's most famous boarding schools. In 1732, John moved on to higher education. He was admitted to study at Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge.

Career at Cambridge and the Church

After finishing his studies, John chose to serve as a Christian minister. He was ordained as a priest in July 1739.

Work in the Church

Smith worked for a short time in his home village as the curate of Coltishall. Soon after, he dedicated his time to university work. Later in life, in 1783, he gained another important church role. He served as the Chancellor of Lincoln Cathedral, a huge and historic cathedral in England. He kept this role until the end of his life.

College Leader

In September 1739, Smith became an official fellow at Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge. He worked in several different college offices. In 1764, he was chosen as the master of his college, following Sir James Burrough. Being the master meant he was the head leader in charge of the entire college. He stayed master for 31 years until his death in 1795.

Stargazing and Astronomy

In 1771, Smith received a very special title. He became the second Lowndean Professor of Astronomy and Geometry, succeeding Roger Long. This professorship focused on teaching and studying stars, planets, and mathematics.

Although he did not publish many books, he loved astronomical tools. Smith purchased and installed a special transit telescope inside the college grounds. A transit telescope helped astronomers watch stars and planets cross the sky. This allowed observers to set exact clocks and calculate positions of celestial objects. After he passed away in 1795, William Lax took over as the new Lowndean Professor of Astronomy.

Family Life and Personality

Smith never married, but he lived with his family. He shared his home with Margaret Smith, who was the widow of his younger brother Joseph. John helped care for his family and supported his nieces and nephews.

His nephew, who was also named Joseph, followed in his footsteps and became a fellow at Gonville and Caius. His niece, Mary, later married John Porter, who served as an Anglican bishop.

A close friend once described John as a very honest and good-tempered man. However, friends also noted that he was quite shy and quiet in large groups. He passed away on 17 June 1795 after spending most of his life studying, teaching, and looking at the night sky.

Offices Held