1796 – David Rittenhouse died at age 64. A devout Universalist, he was a mathematician and prolific astronomer and is credited with making the first telescope in America. He was also treasurer of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and director of the United States Mint.

The post June 26 first appeared on Harvard Square Library.

Read more at: www.HarvardSquareLibrary.org – the digital library of Unitarian Universalism.