Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Gargrave, George

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1153315Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900, Volume 20 — Gargrave, George1889James McMullen Rigg

GARGRAVE, GEORGE (1710–1785), mathematician, born at Leyburn, Yorkshire, in 1710, 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 after life he was reputed 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 Dec. 1785, and was buried in the churchyard at Wensley. 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.

[Gent. Mag. 1841, pt. ii. p. 36.]

J. M. R.