Arthur Butler Phillips Mee

Who was Arthur Butler Phillips Mee?

Arthur Butler Phillips Mee was a Scottish-born newspaper journalist, editor and notable amateur astronomer.

He was born the son of a Baptist pastor George S. Mee and his wife Elizabeth. After leaving the ministry, Arthur's father became a journalist and he moved the family to western Wales. The son joined his father's profession, becoming a journalist in the town of Llanelli. He was married to Claudia Thomas in 1888.

In 1892 the couple moved to Cardiff where he began working at the Western Mail, a regional newspaper. He continued to work at the same newspaper up until his death, writing a regular column and performing editorial work as an assistant.

He was most noted for his efforts in support of amateur astronomy. In 1890 he was a founding member of the British Astronomical Association, and for a period of time was a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society. His observations focused on the Moon and Mars, including making detailed charts and drawings of the features. Two of his drawings appeared in La Planète Mars by Camille Flammarion.

He was a regular contributor to various scientific and technical publications.