Jedidiah Buxton

Dateca. 1781

Engraver Jonathan Spilsbury

After work by Benjamin Killingbeck (fl. 1763 - 1790)

OriginEngland, London

MediumMezzotint with line engraving on laid paper

DimensionsOverall: 14 1/2 × 11in. (36.8 × 27.9cm)

Credit LineMuseum Purchase, The Friends of Colonial Williamsburg Collections Fund

Object number2023-307

DescriptionLower margin reads: "B. Killengbeck pinx.t/ J Silsbury fecit/ Jedidiah Buxton"
Label TextJedidah Buxton was an farm laborer and mathematical genius known as “the Human Calculator.” His talents were recognized at a young age when he demonstrated his rare talent for calculating large sums with great accuracy though he was described as "unable to write or cast accounts in the ordinary method." Some scholars believe that Buxton may have lived with savant syndrome, a condition associated with autism.

According to articles in "The Gentleman's Magazine," he was fascinated with the Royal Family and especially wanted to meet the King of England. In 1754 he walked to London over 150 miles from his home in Derbyshire in hopes of meeting them. While in London, he was examined by the Royal Society, an English scientific organization, who found is abilities credible and awarded him with prize money. During his stay in London, he stayed with the editor of "The Gentleman’s Magazine" who published a portrait and several articles on Buxton. Buxton returned home where he made a living as a farm laborer.
ProvenanceBefore 2018, Ricky Jay [1946-2018] (Los Angeles, CA); 2023 (Potter & Potter Auctions, Chicago, IL, October 28, 2023 Lot 58); 2023-present, purchased by The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (Williamsburg, VA).