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 t…
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Citation: Fletcher, Amie C.. "William Bartram". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 17 January 2006 [https://staging.litencyc.com/php/speople.php?rec=true&UID=284, accessed 23 November 2024.]
