he died in Hijum (FR)
Frisian mathematician, mechanic and astronomer, born March 31, 1754 in Hijum, died there May 11, 1828, son of the farmer Roelof Pieters and Neeltje Alberts, received ordinary primary education and further developed himself into what he has become. The writings left behind by his grandfather Pieter Roelofs, who was experienced in astronomy and helmsmanship, led him to mathematical exercises. When, after the death of his father, he was able to spread his wings more, he and his brothers Pieter and Albert devoted himself wholeheartedly to his favorite studies. While they threshed the grain in winter, mathematical proposals were worked out and discussed on a wooden chute. The works of la Lande, van Swinden, Musschenbroek, etc. helped them further. He mastered the art of making spectacles, binoculars and telescopes. For two years he worked on his first telescope. For the large Berlikumer telescopes (1819-1822), manufactured by Sieds Rienks and R.H. Hommema, he made the calculations. Through continued practice he finally managed to assemble all kinds of tools, such as: micrometers, quadrants, thermometers, barometers, hygrometers, anemometers, electrometers, and various astronomical instruments. He was the first to install lightning rods in Friesland. He also made many calculations of solar and lunar eclipses, which he also observed accurately. He wrote unpublished treatises on the sea dikes and the inland waters that were too high. He was in correspondence with many scholars and artists. He deserves the name 'peasant professor' in Hijum, because he formed a whole school of pupils. These include: Sieds Rienks, R.H. Hommema, K.R. Godijk, B. Gelder, J.B. Gelder et al. The government acknowledged his merits by having him on Sept 23. 1817 to be named a brother in the Order of the Ned. Lion.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arjen_Roelofs
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