Ono Tomogoro
Ono Tomogoro (December 1, 1817 (October 23, Bunka 14th year) - October 29, 1898 (October 29, Meiji 31st year)). Mathematician, Surveyor, Navy Engineer.
Life
Mathematician in Shogunate
In 1817 (Bunka 14th year), born to Komori Munetsugi, a samurai of Kasama domain, and adopted by Ono Yugoro, of the same samurai family of Kasama domain. He was bright enough to learn mathematics under Kai Komazo, a mathematician of Kasama domain, and continued learning under Hasegawa Hiroshi at Edo. In 1847 (Koka 4th year), he married Akai Tsuta, daughter of a samurai of Kazusa domain.
In 1852 (Kaei 5th year). he wrote "Surveying Illustrated (Ryochi Zusetsu)" together with Kai, and soon entered service at the shogunate observatory, where he learned artillery, engineering and Dutch language under Egawa Hidetatsu. He translated several Dutch navigation books, and submitted them to the shogunate under the title "New Navigation (Tokai Shinpen) 4 volumes.
In 1855 (August, Ansei 2nd year), he was directed by Abe Masahiro, a chief minister of the shogunate to learn survey and navigation at the newly founded Nagasaki Naval School (Kaigun Densyu-jo). After completing 16 months of training, he returned to Edo to become a professor at the Shogunate Naval Training Centre, Tsukiji.
In 1860, (Manei 1st year), the Shogunate dispatched a delegation to the United States to exchange agreement of Treaty of Friendship and Trade. Ono commanded the Kanrin-maru together with Katsu Kaisyu, commander-general, to escort the delegation to the United States.
Survey of Isle of Ogasawara and Building of Warship
Returned to Edo, he proposed to the shogunate navy to build steamships. In 1861 (Manei 2nd year, Bunkyu 1st year), Ono started building a small steamship as chief engineer.
In 1861, (July Bunkyu 1st year). he was promoted as general manager of shogunate warships, and made a survey of Edo Bay. By John Manjiro’s proposal of acquisition of Isle of Ogasawara to the shogunate, Ono was dispatched to the area to make a survey with the Kanrin-maru.
In 1862 (Bunkyu 2nd year), Ono completed building the first steamship, called Chiyoda-gata.
Promotion and Dispatch to the United States
In 1864 (June Ganji 1st year), Ono was promoted as the shogunate auditor (Kanjyo Ginmi-yaku), and arranged the foundation of a steelworks at Yokosuka. Proposing strengthening of naval force to the shogunate, Ono was dispatched to the United States to purchase warships, guns, and cannons, etc.
Twilight of the Shogunate
In 1867 (June, Keio 3rd year), returned to Edo, Ono was promoted as minister of Treasury (Kanjyo Bugyo). Ono supported Tokugawa Yoshinobu, the last Shogun, who would give up sovereignty.
In 1868 (January Keio 4th year), Ono lost his position as the shogunate fell. Enomoto Takeaki and his group resisted the newly founded imperial government, and tried to escape to Ezo (Hokkaido) with several warships.
In Meiji Government
After some apology, he was invited by the ministry of civil affairs, and engaged in railway construction, and continued his mission at the ministry of public works after 1871. He never involved himself in military affairs in the Meiji government.
In 1876, when Okubo Toshimichi decided to give up nationwide geodetic survey and meteorological observation, Ono wrote a proposal for the foundation of a substantial observatory to Okubo. In 1877, he retired from government service, and endeavored to found a salt manufacturing plant at Chiba. He passed away at the age of 82.
Biography and Reference
- Fujii Tetsuhiro, "Life of Ono Tomogoro, Commander of Kanrin-maru," 1985, ISBN 4-12-100782-4
- Ogawa Kyoichi, edited, "Encyclopedia of the Shogunate Officers after Kansei Period," 1997–1998.
Non-fiction Story
- Narumi Kaze, "Ono Tomogoro, a Mathematician of End of Edo period (Doto Uzumaku mo), 2003.
- Volume I ISBN 4-404-03128-9, Volume II ISBN 4-404-03129-7
Appendix
- Fukuzawa Yukichi
- Koeda Hamagoro
- Tokaido-honsen
- Map Makers
References
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