Considered the first American-born naturalist, William Bartram was born on April 9, 1739 in Kingsessing, Pennslyvania to John Bartram and Ann Mendenhall. His father was a well-known botanist, who corresponded throughout his lifetime with leading British natural scientists, including Peter Collinson, and co-founded the American Philosophical Society with Benjamin Franklin. Part of a large family (four brothers, three sisters – one his twin – and two half-brothers), William Bartram was the only one to pursue his father’s interest in natural science. Early in his life, he developed a love for the natural world and devoted himself to drawing various flora and fauna. Though his family encouraged his botanical interests, allowing him to draw instead of attend the Saturday and Sunday…
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Citation: Fletcher, Amie C.. "William Bartram". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 17 January 2006 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/speople.php?rec=true&UID=284, accessed 24 November 2024.]
