William Whitehead Watts facts for kids

William Whitehead Watts (born June 7, 1860 – died July 30, 1947) was a very important British geologist. He spent his life studying rocks and the Earth's history, and he taught many students about geology.

Life of a Geologist

William Watts was born near a place called Broseley in Shropshire, England. He was the older of two sons. His father, Isaac Watts, was a music teacher.

Early Education and Studies

William went to grammar schools in Bitterley and Shifnal. After that, he attended Denstone College. He then went to Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge to study science. He was really good at geology, earning top marks in 1881. He earned his first degree in 1882 and a master's degree in 1885. Later, in 1909, he received a special Doctor of Science degree. He even taught for Cambridge University for ten years.

Starting His Geology Career

William Watts began studying the geology of his home area, Shropshire. His first paper about geology was published in 1885. He worked with another famous geologist, Charles Lapworth, studying areas like Shelve and Corndon Hill. He also taught geology at Mason College, which later became the University of Birmingham.

Teaching and Research

From 1888, Watts taught geology at the University of Oxford. In 1891, he joined the Geological Survey, a group that maps and studies the Earth's geology. He worked in Ireland first, then in an area called Charnwood Forest in England. He returned to teach at Mason College and the University of Birmingham from 1897 to 1906. After that, he became the main professor of geology at the Imperial College of Science and Technology in London.

Important Roles and Awards

William Watts was a very respected geologist. He served as the secretary for the Geological Society from 1898 to 1909. He then became the president of the Geological Society from 1910 to 1912.

In 1904, Professor Watts was chosen to be a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a very high honor for scientists in the United Kingdom. He also won two important awards from the Geological Society: the Murchison Medal in 1915 and the Wollaston Medal. In 1934, he was made an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh.

He retired from teaching in 1930. William Watts passed away on July 30, 1947, when he was 87 years old.

Family Life

William Watts was married two times. His first wife was Louisa Adelaide Atchison, whom he married in 1891. She sadly passed away in 1894. Later, he married Rachel Atchison, who was the widowed sister-in-law of his first wife.