Joseph Winlock

1826–1875 (age 49)

astronomer

Biography

Joseph Winlock was born in 1826 in Massachusetts and devoted his intellect to mathematics and the burgeoning science of astronomy. After training at Harvard he joined the faculty, eventually directing the Harvard College Observatory, overseeing new instrumentation, and guiding students in the meticulous work of celestial measurement.

He contributed to star catalogs, aided the U.S. Coast Survey, and shared his findings through scientific societies, always emphasizing precision and collaboration; his legacy is remembered by scholars and visitors at Mount Auburn Cemetery.