Background
Abraham Pihl was born in Gausdal, in Oppland county, Norway.
architect Astronomer priest scientist
Abraham Pihl was born in Gausdal, in Oppland county, Norway.
He completed priest study at the University of Copenhagen in 1783 where he had also studied mathematics, mechanics and astronomy.
In 1784, Pihl became vicar at Flekkefjord in the county of Vest-Agder. From 1785 he was appointed as Denmark-Norway astronomical observer in Norway. In 1789, he was appointed to serve as priest in the parish of Vang in Hedmark (Vang kirke, Hamar) where he would serve until his death in 1821.
Pihl developed a large collection of self-made astronomical instruments, and also made telescopes and sextants for others
He designed Vang church which had burned down and was rebuilt between 1804 and 1810. He started large-scale production of pendulum clocks.
The rectory became the largest employer in Vang, with up to 140 persons employed.