James Howard Gore was a mathematical professor at The Corcoran Scientific School (what is now known as George Washington University

George Washington University

The George Washington University is a private, coeducational comprehensive university located in Washington, D.C. in the United States...

). In 1905, Gore was the head of the mathematics department and taught a majority of the undergraduate and graduate courses. Outside of academia, Gore is the author of nearly 20 books covering the topics of mathematics, Geodesy, European politics, travel and art. Much of his writing was influenced by his time spent in Berlin, Leyden and Brussels, where he completed his post graduate studies. Gore was also a member of several European royal societies such as Commandeur of the Order of Leopold (Belgium), a member of the Order of the Crown (Belgium)

Order of the Crown (Belgium)

The Order of the Crown is an Order of Belgium which was created on 15 October 1897 by King Leopold II in his capacity as ruler of the Congo Free State. The order was first intended to recognize heroic deeds and distinguished service achieved from service in the Congo Free State - many of which acts...

and a member of Order of Orange-Nassau. Each of these societies are related to the royal parties of Belgium and the Netherlands and are generally bestowed upon individuals who have demonstrated dedication and commitment towards these respective areas.

History

James Howard Gore was born on September 18, 1856 to parents Mahlon Gore and Sydney Cather in Frederick County, Virginia. Growing up, Gore lived on a farm with this family, but at the age of four, Gore's father died. From this point on, Gore's mother took on the responsibility of raising Gore and his two brothers, whom he shared farm chores with. From an early age, Gore displayed interest in the sciences and mathematics and often read scientific literature. Gore took very seriously his education and chose to attend the Hamilton Academy, Richmond College and finally Columbian University (now, The George Washington University). Gore also took time abroad and performed his post graduate studies in Berlin, Leyden and Brussels between the years of 1894 through 1897. However, it was in 1877 that Gore graduated from Columbian University but remained there as a tutor. Thus began his profession of teaching. From 1878 – 1881 he served as a tutor at Columbian University in mathematics; from 1881 – 1883 Gore served as an adjunct professor of mathematics at Columbian University; in 1884 – 1887 he was professor of mathematics and geodesy at the Corcoran Scientific School at the George Washington University; from 1884 – 1909 Gore was a respected professor at the Corcoran Scientific school until his retirement; in 1888 he received an honorary doctorate from Columbian University; and in 1909 – 1939 Gore was a professor emeritus until his death in 1939. Throughout his time teaching at The George Washington University, Gore lived not too far away in a neighborhood frequented by today’s students in Friendship Heights, Maryland. On July 20, 1889, Gore married Lillian van Sparrendahl and they had one child. He died on June 10, 1939 at the age of 82 years old. The George Washington University continues to preserve what materials they have from his days as a professor.

Publications

Outside of his teaching career, Gore wrote several publications. Some of these titles include, Elements of Geodesy; History of Geodesy; Physical Geography; Parliamentary Law; German Science Reader; Editor of German Texts; Political Parties and Party Policies in Germany; Dutch Art as seen by a Layman; How to see Holland; Holland as seen by an American; Legionnaires: A Directory of the Citizens of the United States of whom France has conferred her National Order, the Legion of Honor.

External links

• The GW and Foggy Bottom Historical Encyclopedia