Curley, James, 1796-1889

Roman Catholic priest and director of the Observatory at Georgetown College, Georgetown, D.C.

From the description of Papers, 1835-1889, bulk 1835-1841 and 1857-1889) (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 82445504

James Curley was born at Athleague, County Roscommon, Ireland on Oct. 25, 1796 and immigrated to the United States in 1817, arriving at Philadelphia, Pa., on Oct. 10. He entered the Society of Jesus on Sept. 27, 1827 and began his noviceship at Georgetown College. In Aug. 1829, after completing his two year probation, he was sent to the Frederick (Md.) Novitiate to teach. He returned to Georgetown in 1831 and began to teach natural philosophy and study moral theology. Father Curley was ordained to the priesthood on June 1, 1833. In 1840 he proposed that Georgetown construct an astronomical observatory and subsequently not only drew up the plans for the building but supervised its construction as well. Shortly thereafter Fr. Curley computed the meridian of Washington, D.C., with a degree of precision previously unknown. Subsequent calculations have proved the accuracy of his computations. Also around this time Fr. Curley established the college greenhouse and assembled a collection of natural history artifacts for display and instruction. He retired in 1879 after 48 years of teaching mathematics and astronomy at Georgetown. In addition to his activities at the university he was chaplain to the sisters of Visitation Convent for 50 years. From 1850 to 1860 Fr. Curley was Socius and Procurator of the Maryland Province of the Society of Jesus. Although no longer teaching he remained an active participant in the life of the university until his death from malaria on July 24, 1889. James Cardinal Gibbons of Baltimore officiated at the requiem mass celebrated at Holy Trinity Church, Georgetown, D.C.

From the description of The Rev. James Curley, S.J., papers, 1832-1889 (bulk 1868-1889). (Georgetown University). WorldCat record id: 224515747