Ezra Otis Kendall (1818–1899) was an American professor, astronomer and mathematician. He was known for his work in uranography.[1]
Kendall was born on May 17, 1818, in Wilmington, Massachusetts to parents Ezra Kendall and Susanna Cook Walker.[2][3] His mother was a descendant of Mayflower passengers Francis Cooke and Stephen Hopkins.[4] In 1835, he moved to Philadelphia to study mathematics with Sears Cook Walker, his half-brother. In 1838, he became professor of mathematics and astronomy at Philadelphia's Central High School and director of the observatory.[1][5] In 1842, he was elected a member of the American Philosophical Society and later served as a vice-president.[1] In 1855, he became professor of mathematics and astronomy at the University of Pennsylvania, and in 1883 became vice-provost and dean of the college faculty.[5] He received a Doctor of Laws, LL.D., honorary degree from the university in 1888 for his scientific work.[1] He died on January 5, 1899, in Philadelphia and is buried in the Saint Luke's Episcopal Churchyard.[1]
Kendall, E. Otis (1845). Uranography; or, A Description of the Heavens; Designed for Academics and Schools; Accompanied by An Atlas of the Heavens, Showing the Places of the Principal Stars, Clusters, and Nebulæ. Philadelphia: E. H. Butler & Co. hdl:2027/hvd.hn2b59.
