Morgan Crofton facts for kids
Morgan Crofton (born in 1826 in Dublin, Ireland) was a clever mathematician. He made important discoveries in a field called geometric probability. This is about using math to figure out the chances of things happening in shapes and spaces. He also worked with another famous mathematician, James Joseph Sylvester. Crofton's formula, a key idea in math, is named after him! He passed away in 1915 in Brighton, England.
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Early Life and Family
Growing Up in Ireland
Morgan Crofton came from a well-known family in Ireland. His father, William Crofton, was a church leader in Skreen, County Sligo. Morgan's family was part of the Anglo-Irish aristocracy, meaning they were wealthy and influential.
A Change in Faith
Even though his family was Anglican, Morgan decided to join the Roman Catholic Church in the 1850s. He was very interested in the ideas of Cardinal John Henry Newman, a famous religious figure. This decision led him to leave his job at Queen's College, Galway. He then moved to teach at different Catholic colleges.
His Marriages
Morgan Crofton was married two times. His first wife was Julia Agnes Cecilia Kernan, whom he married in 1857. After she passed away in 1902, he later married Katherine Taylor.
His Amazing Career
A Professor of Math
Morgan Crofton became a professor of mathematics at the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich. This was a school for training army officers. He also taught natural philosophy (which included science and math) at Queen's University of Ireland.
A Royal Society Fellow
Because of his important work in mathematics, Morgan Crofton was chosen to be a Fellow of the Royal Society in June 1868. Being a Fellow of the Royal Society is a big honor for scientists and mathematicians in the United Kingdom.
