Edith Frances Gill (August 20th, 1871-September 28, 1928) worked as one of the Women Astronomical Computers at the Harvard College Observatory from 1889 until 1927.

While working at the Observatory, Gill was one of the assistants to Annie Jump Cannon’s work on the Henry Draper Catalogue. Her work included proofreading the remarks and text of the Catalogue, as well as ascertaining or confirming stellar positions and magnitudes and classifying stars. In the classification work, specifically for the Southern Sky-section of the Catalogue, involved examining plates from Observatories in the southern hemisphere. Gill worked with her sister, Mabel, as well as Williamina Fleming, Louisa Wells, and Evelyn Leland, among many others.¹

Described by Cecilia Payne-Gaposhkin in her memoir, Edith and her sister Mabel both would “...hover in the background” and were “quiet, self-effacing, always busy.”² They both feature in some of the most famous photographs taken of the Women Astronomical Computers; ones taken of the group in 1911 and 1925, respectively. She worked at the Observatory for about 31 years, from the early days of the Women Astronomical Computers, to the days when the group was well established and students and fellows were beginning to become very present and active.

Edith Gill was born August 20, 1871, in Cambridge to John and Harriet F Gill (neé Miner).³ John Gill worked as a Jeweler. Edith’s sister Mabel was born two years later, followed by a brother, Harry.⁴ Edith began working at the Harvard College Observatory in 1889, at the age of about 18. Mabel joined her four years later, in 1892. In 1888, she gained another brother, Harold. The Gill family resided in Cambridge until at least 1900, when they moved to Belmont.⁵ Gill worked at the Observatory until 1927, continuing to live in Belmont for the remainder of her life. She passed away in September of 1928. She is buried at Mount Auburn Cemetery.⁶ 

Written by Samantha Notick, May 2023

Edith Gill used two terms to describe her job at the Observatory on federal and city records. The first, appearing in a Cambridge city directory in 1893, she described her job as “Asst. at Observatory”. The second, on the 1910 and 1920 Federal Censuses, and city directors of the 1920s, was “Computer” at “Observatory”.
For questions on any particular Women Astronomical Computer’s titles please consult their bio page. If no terminology information is listed, feel free to email us!

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