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VENN: Adm. sizar at ST JOHN'S, Jan. 14, 1778. [S. of James, of Tottington, Lancs. (and - Smith). B. Dec. 14, 1760 at Holcombe, near Bury.] ' Matric. Michs. 1778; Scholar, 1781; B.A. (Senior Wrangler and 1st Smith's prize) 1782; M.A. 1785; B.D. 1793; D.D. (per Lit. Reg.) 1815. Fellow, 1782-1815; tutor, 1789-1814; President, 1802-15; Master, 1815-39. Junior Proctor, 1791-2. Vice-Chancellor, 1816-17. Ord. deacon (Peterb.), June 26, 1785; priest, June 29, 1787. Dean of Ely, 1820-39. R. of Freshwater, Isle of Wight, 1823-39, A generous benefactor to the College, subscribing liberally towards the erection of the New Court and giving money to found scholarships. Left £20,000, this sum ultimately forming the nucleus of the building fund for the new Chapel. Author, The elements of Algebra; The principles of Mechanics; The elements of Optics. Died Apr. 23, 1839, in Cambridge; buried in the College Chapel. (St John's Coll. Adm., IV. 570; Clerical Guide; The Extraordinary Black Book; G. Mag., 1839, II. 201; D.N.B., which, with J. E. B. Mayor, calls him "F.R.S.").
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