George Gargrave

George Gargrave (1710–1785), was an English mathematician.

Biography

Gargrave was born in Leyburn, Yorkshire, in 1710. He was educated by his uncle, John Crow, a schoolmaster in that place. Under him he acquired a considerable knowledge of the classics and mathematics. His natural bent was towards astronomy, and in his after life he was reputed as one of the best proficients in the less recondite branches of that science in the north of England.

In 1745 he became associated with Joseph Randall in the management of the academy at Heath, near Wakefield. The academy, though of good repute, did not pay, and was given up in 1754. Gargrave then started at Wakefield a mathematical school, with such success that in 1768 he retired on a handsome competency. He died on 7 December 1785, and was buried in the churchyard at Wensley.

Personal

Gargrave was a musician of some skill, and his handwriting was remarkably clear and fine. He possessed a large and well-selected library, and a fine collection of astronomical and other scientific apparatus. He contributed to the Gentleman's Magazine a translation of Dr. Halley's ‘Dissertation on the Transit of Venus’ (1760, p. 265); ‘Observations on the Transit of Venus’ (1761, p. 296); on the same subject (1769, pp. 278–9); ‘Observations of an Eclipse of the Moon’ (1776, p. 357); and ‘Memoirs of Mr. Abraham Sharp, mathematician, mechanic, and astronomer’ (1781, p. 461). He also left a manuscript treatise on the doctrine of the sphere.

References

 This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: "Gargrave, George". Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co. 1885–1900.