James Thomson was born near Ballynahinch, County Down, and when he was twelve years old witnessed the battle there. He was educated in Glasgow, and became a mathematics teacher in the Academical Institution, Belfast. In 1832 he was appointed Professor of Mathematics at Glasgow University and he wrote a great deal on mathematics and geography. He was the father of Lord Kelvin (William Thomson) and James Thomson.

Born:	13 November 1786
Died:	12 January 1849