Person Baily; Francis (1774 - 1844); British stockbroker and astronomer Baily Francis British stockbroker and astronomer 1774 - 1844 British Male Newbury, Berkshire, England, United Kingdom, Europe 28 April 1774 1774 London, England, United Kingdom, Europe 30 August 1844 1844 Burial: St Mary's Church, Thatcham, Berkshire, England, United Kingdom, Europe

Verulam Buildings, Gray's Inn, London (-1830); 37 Tavistock Place, London (-1844)

Stockbroker; Astronomer Astronomy Metrology Education: Grammar School, Newbury Career: Apprenticeship (1788-1795) at a mercantile house based in City of London; travelled to North America (1796); became an active stockbroker (c.1798) and published multiple works on life-contingencies; gave up working in the stock market and became a full-time astronomer (1825); contributed and edited catalogues, including Joseph de Lalande's (FRS 1763) and Nicolas de Lacaille's (FRS 1760) star catalogues, and compiled the British Association's 'Catalogue of 8377 stars' (1845) Memberships: Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society (founding member; later president); Foreign Honorary Member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Parents: Richard Baily (1744-1814); Sarah Head (1745-1823) Siblings: Elizabeth Baily; Baily's journey to North America stemmed from both commerical and personal interest - he wanted to expand the international interests of the mercantile house in London that he had worked at, and in addition he shared republican views and wanted to initiate the process to obtain American citizenship. This, however, failed. Baily documented his travels in journals which were posthumously published under the title 'Journal of a Tour in Unsettled Parts of North America in 1796 and 1797', edited by Professor De Morgan. In these journals he expresses his views on the value of education and his opposition to slavery. After returning to the UK in early 1798, he volunteered to travel for the African Association [Association for Promoting the Discovery of the Interior Parts of Africa] for an expedition of Niger. However, the funds for this trip could not be raised so he remained in England. Royal Society roles: Sworn into Council 1 December 1832 ; Treasurer 1835-1838; VP 1832-1834, 1835-1840, 1842-1843 Committee and panels: Catalogue Committee (appointed 9 February 1832) ; Telescope Committee (appointed 8th December 1831) ; Meteorological Committee (appointed 22 December 1831) ; Medal Committee (appointed 9 December 1830) ; Excise Committee ; Report of the Hydrometer Committee ; Committee of Mathematics (31 May 1837) ; Committee of Physics (31 May 1837) ; Committee of Astronomy (31 May 1837) Fellow 22/02/1821 46 Sources: Bulloch's Roll; DNB; DSB; ODNB Obituaries: Proc Roy Soc 1844 No 60 pp 524-525 References: Craik, A D D. 2002. 'James Ivory's last papers on the 'Figure of the Earth' (with biographical additions)' in Notes and Records, vol. 56, pp. 187-204 Rothman, P. 2000. 'By 'the light of his own mind': the story of James Ferguson, astronomer', in Notes and Records, vol. 54, pp 33-45 Baily F, IM000187.jpg ©The Royal Society International Standard Archival Authority Record for Corporate Bodies, Persons and Families - ISAAR(CPF) - Ottawa 1996 ISBN 0-9696035-3-3 National Council on Archives, Rules for the Construction of Personal, Place and Corporate Names, 1997 RCN: 26082 RCN: 28381 RCN: 26078 RCN: 26084 https://pictures.royalsociety.org/results?mi_search_type=adv&mi_adv_search=yes&adv_person_id=AUTH434 https://pictures.royalsociety.org/image-rs-18211 28 Apr 1774 - 30 Aug 1844 The past Fellows entries are under continuous revision. If you have queries or additional information to contribute, please contact Library@royalsociety.org. Content in external sources is not controlled by the Royal Society and historical sources may include content that is now unacceptable. Reviewed on 19/10/2021 as part of Name Authority Project update. NA6486 21/11/2001 Andyg pmab 10/02/2026 RS_NET\VidaM Yes http://viaf.org/viaf/37072338 2af7eab8-caf0-4273-a3f6-ca95fb045a99