Rhoda G. Saunders Hayes (May 23rd, 1848 - July 9th, 1932) worked as one of the first Women Astronomical Computers at the Harvard College Observatory from 1875 to 1888.

While at Harvard, Saunders worked on calculations of observations made with the Meridian Circle instrument.¹ She performed the mathematical reductions to prepare Professor Rogers’ observations for publication, working with Selina C. Bond and Anna Winlock, and several gentlemen. ²

Rhoda G Saunders was born May 23rd, 1848 in Westerly, Rhode Island. In 1850, her father’s profession was listed as “mariner”,³ and he was referred to as “Capt.” in a collection of Vital Extracts from Rhode Island.⁴ In 1860, when Rhoda Saunders was 12, she was living with her mother and two sisters in Westerly.⁵ She began work at the observatory in 1875, and lived in Cambridge at the house of the Norris family.⁶ She left the Observatory in 1888. Some time between 1888 and 1891, she married Walter H. Hayes. He passed away in 1891.⁷ An 1894 city directory has her boarding at the Norris household again. By 1910, she and Norris’ lived in New Hampshire, on a farm. After the death of Mr. Norris, Mrs. Norris and Rhoda Hayes returned to Arlington, Mass by 1920,⁸ and by the 1930 Federal Census, Rhoda Hayes was living with her two sisters, all of them widows, in Providence RI.⁹ Rhoda G. Saunders Hayes passed away July 9th, 1932 at the age of about 84. She is buried at Mount Auburn Cemetery with her family.¹⁰ 

Written by Samantha Notick, May 2023

While working at the Observatory, Saunders used only one term to describe her work on census and vital records. On city directories between 1877 and 1888, and on the 1880 Federal Census she uses “Computer” at (some form of) “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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