Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Maddy, Watkin
MADDY, WATKIN (d. 1857), astronomer, a native of Herefordshire, was educated at Hereford grammar school. He graduated as second wrangler in 1820 from St. John's College, Cambridge, proceeded M.A. in 1823, took orders, and in 1830 a degree of B.D. He was elected to a fellowship on 18 March 1823, received the office of moderator, and joined the Astronomical Society. He published at Cambridge in 1826 ‘The Elements of the Theory of Plane Astronomy,’ an excellent work, of which a new edition, enlarged by Dr. Hymers, appeared in 1832. About 1837 Maddy resigned his fellowship from conscientious motives, and with it his sole means of livelihood. He supported himself by teaching mathematics in London until his death, which occurred at Sutton Coldfield, near Birmingham, on 13 Aug. 1857. His character was of the highest stamp.
[Monthly Notices Royal Astron. Soc. xviii. 19; information kindly furnished by R. F. Scott, esq.; Gent. Mag. 1857, ii. 345; Luard's Cantabr. Grad.]