William smith scientist timeline for kids
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William Smith (geologist) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids William Smith | |
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William Smith in 1837 | |
Born | (1769-03-23)23 March 1769 Churchill, Oxfordshire |
Died | 28 August 1839(1839-08-28) (aged 70) Northampton, England |
Nationality | English |
Known for | Geological map of England and Wales |
Awards | Wollaston Medal (1831) |
Scientific career | |
Fields | Geology |
William 'Strata' Smith (23 March 1769 – 28 August 1839) was an Englishgeologist, credited with creating the first detailed, nationwide geological map of any country. At the time his map was first published he was overlooked by the scientific community; his relatively humble education and family connections prevented him from mixing easily in learned society. Financially ruined, Smith spent time in debtors' prison. It was only late in his life that Smith received recognition for his accomplishments, and became known as the "Father of English Geology".
Early life
Smith was born in the village of Churchill, Oxfordshire, the son of John Smith (1735–1777), the village blacksmith, and his wife Ann (née Smith; 1745–1807). His father died when he was eight years old, and he and his siblings were raised by his uncle, a farmer also named William Smith. Largely self-educated, Smith was intelligen
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William Smith (geologist)
English geologist (1769–1839)
William 'Strata' Smith (23 March 1769 – 28 August 1839) was an English geologist, credited with creating the first detailed, nationwide geological map of any country.[1] At the time his map was first published he was overlooked by the scientific community; his relatively humble education and family connections prevented him from mixing easily in learned society. Financially ruined, Smith spent time in debtors' prison. It was only late in his life that Smith received recognition for his accomplishments, and became known as the "Father of English Geology".[2]
Early life
[edit]Smith was born on 23 March 1769, in Churchill, Oxfordshire, the son of John Smith (1735–1777), the village blacksmith, and his wife Ann (née Smith; 1745–1807).[3] His father died when Smith was eight years old, and he and his siblings were raised by his uncle, a farmer also named William Smith.[4] Largely self-educated, Smith was intelligent and observant, read widely from an early age, and showed an aptitude for mathematics and drawing. In 1787, he met and found work as an assistant for Edward Webb of Stow-on-the-Wold, Gloucestershire, a surveyor. He was quick to learn and soon became proficient at t
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