About John Smith
Lived 1711 – 1795 (aged 83–84). John Smith was a British astronomer.
John Smith D.D. (baptised 14 October 1711 – 17 June 1795) was a British academic, astronomer and priest.
Early life 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.
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. He was additionally Chancellor of Lincoln Cathedral from 1783 until his death.
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".
Offices held
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Important facts
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Frequently asked questions
Who was John Smith?
British astronomer (1711-1795)
When was John Smith born?
John Smith was born in 1711.
When did John Smith die?
John Smith died on 17 June 1795.
What was John Smith's occupation?
John Smith was an astronomer.
What nationality was John Smith?
John Smith was British.
Sources & further reading
· DBpedia: John Smith (astronomer)
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). John Smith. https://biography.guide/john-smith-astronomer/
MLA: "John Smith." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/john-smith-astronomer/.
Chicago: "John Smith." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/john-smith-astronomer/.
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