John Smith (astronomer)
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John Smith D.D. (baptised 14 October 1711 – 17 June 1795) was a British academic, astronomer and priest.
Smith was born in Coltishall, the second son of Henry Smith, an attorney, and Elizabeth Johnson. He spent 3 years at Norwich Grammar School and 6 at Eton College, before being admitted to Gonville and Caius College in 1732.[1]
Career
He was ordained in July 1739, and was briefly the curate of the parish of Coltishall, but became a fellow of Gonville and Caius in September of that year. After holding various offices, he was elected master of his college in 1764, a position he held until his death in 1795.[1] He was the second Lowndean Professor of Astronomy and Geometry from 1771, but seems to have produced little academic work. He did, however, install a transit telescope in the college.[2] He was additionally Chancellor of Lincoln Cathedral from 1783 until his death.[1]
Personal life
He did not marry, but lived with Margaret Smith, the widow of his younger brother Joseph. One of her sons, also named Joseph, became a fellow of Gonville and Caius, while one of her daughters, Mary, married John Porter, an Anglican bishop.
A friend described him as "a very honest and good-tempered man, though always shy and reserved".[1]