William Harkness

William Harkness (December 17, 1837 – February 28, 1903) was an astronomer. He was born at Ecclefechan, Scotland, a son of James (1803–78) and Jane (née Wield)^[1] Harkness. His father was a pastor and moved the family to the United States. Harkness served in the military, traveled extensively, and headed research missions developing techniques and equipment for astronomical study.

For the American businessman, see William L. Harkness.

William Harkness

(1837-12-17)December 17, 1837
Ecclefechan, Scotland

February 28, 1903(1903-02-28) (aged 65)
Jersey City, New Jersey

United States of America

Union Army
Union Navy
United States Navy

1862–1899

Rear Admiral

American Civil War

Harkness died at his home in Jersey City on February 28, 1903, at the age of 65.^[2]^[3]

Legacy[edit]

Two U.S. Navy vessels have been named Harkness in his honor.

Harkness Hall at the University of Rochester is named in his honor.^[11]

Dick, Steven J. (2002). . Cambridge University Press. ISBN 0-521-81599-1.- See especially Chapter 7.

Sky and Ocean Joined: The U.S. Naval Observatory 1830–2000

Harkness, William (1883). . Proceedings of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Salem: 77–88.

"Address"

Harkness, William (1888). . Washington: Judd & Detweiler Company. On the Progress of Science as Exemplified in the Art of Weighing and Measuring.

On the Progress of Science as Exemplified in the Art of Weighing and Measuring

Smithsonian Institution Libraries

William Harkness