HAWKESBURY HISTORY
with Michelle Nichols & Jonathan Auld
Astronomer Tebbutt ’ s computers
Much has been written about the renowned astronomer John Tebbutt whose observations assisted in advancing astronomy internationally even though he rarely left the Hawkesbury . He has been universally recognised for his work , performing the complex calculations required for his computations , mostly himself . Occasionally he employed assistants known as computers to help out with his reckonings . This is the story of some of his early assistants .
Born in Windsor in 1834 , John Tebbutt was locally educated . Tutored in the classics including Latin and Greek , in later years he taught himself French and German . To work in astronomy , an advanced understanding of not only science , but also higher mathematics was crucial .
With his aptitude for astronomy , Tebbutt began examining the skies in earnest from 1853 . Not only did he study the skies , but meticulously recorded the weather , flood levels and provided a local time service .
In later years he bought more substantial telescopes and in 1861 discovered the Great Comet which gave him international recognition . He later discovered the Great Comet of 1881 . Living on the family property on the Peninsula , in Windsor , Tebbutt built several observatories which were well-equipped .
He was considered one of Australia ’ s foremost astronomers by his peers , receiving many accolades and international awards throughout his lifetime . His consistent observations and astronomical computations were highly regarded by his international colleagues and advanced astronomy worldwide .
An astronomer ’ s work was observing the skies , recording as well as performing complex and often laborious , calculations . Prior to the 1880s , all of the observations and complex calculations were made by Tebbutt and his “ untiring energy and unremitted diligence ” were noted . As well as his scientific workload , Tebbutt also had to oversee his farm and business affairs .
Tebbutt was known for being blunt . Murray Allen , a teacher from Collector had expectations to be Tebbutt ’ s computer but was reprimanded in 1886 for getting his calculations wide of the mark . Allen responded to Tebbutt , “ it was rather harsh , considering that it is some fourteen years since I opened trigonometry and … I am truly sorry that I was so far out ”. He must have improved as several years later , Allen ’ s assistance was acknowledged .
In 1888 , Tebbutt advertised in the Hawkesbury Chronicle for a computer .
A computer at that time was not electronic but a person who performed mathematical calculations . Aged in his mid-fifties , he was seeking assistance to calculate his meteorological observations . Tebbutt wrote , “ he must be tolerably quick and accurate at simple addition and division ” as computers , at the time , were predominantly male .
Despite Tebbutt ’ s successes in 1888 , he observed the difficulties in finding the “ occasional assistance of a competent person in ordinary arithmetical calculation ”. Nevertheless he concluded that “ considerable help was afforded by Miss M . Arnold , of the Public School Department , Sydney ” and “ Mr . L . A . Parker , late of the local Commercial Bank , has also rendered able assistance .”
So who were Miss Arnold and Mr Parker that competently provided Tebbutt with help in the late 1880s ?
Margie Arnold was born in Windsor in 1866 and was the only daughter of William Clifford and Mary Arnold . William was a farm labourer from Sussex and Irish born Mary was a servant and they were living in Windsor around 1860 . William was a reliable employee of the Tebbutt family for over twenty years .
It is likely Margie was educated in Windsor and by 1882 appeared on a pupil teachers list . She was sixteen and was employed at Pennant Hills and worked in a variety of schools before passing her exams in 1889 .
It is not known if Margie applied for the position Tebbutt had advertised in the local newspaper or whether Tebbutt knew of her abilities through family connections . She may have even trained with him . Margie assisted Tebbutt with reductions for several years . He was impressed with her and acknowledged , “ the intelligence , quickness , and accuracy ” of Margie “ as a computer , both in logarithms and natural numbers , is exceptional , and I have , therefore , much pleasure in bearing testimony to her qualifications in this respect .”
By 1890 she was promoted as headmistress at the North Broken Hill Public School .
Miss Arnold has been a very careful and diligent student , and … all the more creditable … when it is known that she has attained her present place by virtue of her own hard work alone …
In 1891 , she wed Farquhar Wallace , the headmaster at the same school . As was the custom , Margie resigned from her paid teaching job , after she married .
The first women commenced employment as computers in astronomy , the same time Margie moved to Broken
Hill . Mary Greayer was employed by the Government Astronomer for South Australia . It is not known if Margie ever received remuneration for her work with Tebbutt , if she did , this would pre-date Greayer ’ s employment . In 1894 Margie ’ s father passed away . At the time , William was renting a cottage in Pitt Street from Tebbutt . He must have been a trusted friend as the astronomer was a pallbearer at the funeral and also executor of William ’ s will . He was buried in the St Matthew ’ s Anglican Cemetery in Windsor , adjacent to Tebbutt ’ s vault . Margie ’ s mother Mary died in 1914 and was interred in the Windsor Catholic Cemetery .
The couple had eight children . After Broken Hill , they moved around , living in Springwood , Port Macquarie , Kendall and Taree . Margie was still involved in teaching in an unofficial capacity , until her husband retired .
During the 1930s Margie experienced health issues and in 1948 , she passed away aged 82 . Her obituary records that she demonstrated “ a keen interest in study ” and her earlier work with Tebbutt , was mentioned . “ While still in her teens she studied astronomy under Mr . Tebbutt .”
It also mentions “ her deep knowledge of the classics - and her alert mind , made her a most interesting companion .” Margie was buried at Wingham Cemetery .
In 1889 Tebbutt paid tribute to Mr Parker who also assisted Tebbutt with his important calculations . Leslie Angwin Parker was born in 1867 in the Dubbo area . His parents were Richard and Amelia .
He was a promising student and in 1884 he was awarded a gold medal for his excellent studies . After leaving school he joined the Commercial Banking Co . of Sydney in 1885 . Leslie married Alice Parker in 1911 at the Burwood Presbyterian Church .
From 1911 he was organist and choirmaster of his local church , as well as trustee , and Sunday School teacher . He rose through the banking ranks and was appointed accountant in 1916 , then assistant-manager two years later . By 1925 he was chief inspector and held this position until his death .
He was a keen motorist and a member of various associations . Aged 65 he passed away in 1935 with his ashes scattered at
Daily Observation notebook , 1890 , held Mitchell Library . Photo : M . Nichols .
Rookwood Cemetery . Leslie ’ s obituary mentions he “ was a man of education and culture ” and that he “ read widely , and was a fine musician .” It also records that he “ was also a good mathematician and a student of astronomy .”
The lack of capable assistance plagued Tebbutt ’ s research . In 1901 when he was interviewed about future opportunities , he told a journalist “ that he was unable to obtain assistant computers competent to perform the calculations necessary , and that there were no fewer than 460 minor planets , whose movements were unable to be calculated .”
His son , John Thomas was not actively involved in astronomy , however , Tebbutt mentions his son ’ s assistance in the 1900s , recording statistics when he was absent . Robert Bruce Walker was mentioned , he helped with clerical work and calculations , and became a solicitor and MP . Tebbutt also mentions support from his peers , Joseph Brooks , a surveyor and astronomers Robert Innes and Charles Merfield .
In 1904 when Tebbutt was seventy , he “ felt compelled ” to retire from his regular recordings . He said “ his declining years will be devoted to business of a private nature , with occasional attention to astronomical observations .” But he continued his research . For years Tebbutt articulated “ the hope of meeting someone who … could assist me in my work , partly out of love for the science , and partly for a remuneration ” yet he never did .
During Tebbutt ’ s career , he published almost 400 articles , sharing his observations and research around the world . Aged 82 , the brilliant Tebbutt died in 1916 and was buried in a vault which he personally designed at St Matthew ’ s Anglican cemetery . After his death , Tebbutt continued to receive accolades for his contribution to astronomy . This article recognises the forgotten role played by Tebbutt ’ s gifted computers .
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