Henry Shimer Explained

Henry Shimer (September 21, 1828 – July 28, 1895) was a naturalist and physician in Mount Carroll, Illinois. He was also a teacher at the Mount Carroll Seminary, which later became Shimer College; he was the husband of the seminary's founder, Frances Shimer.

Biography

Early life

Shimer was born on September 21, 1828, in West Vincent Township, Pennsylvania.[1] He worked as a stone mason in his youth and took up teaching at the age of 18.[2] In March 1854, Shimer left Pennsylvania and traveled west to Mount Carroll, Illinois after a failed love affair.[2] He may have done work on the construction or expansion of the Mount Carroll Seminary, for which the owners were unable to pay him.[3]

Marriage

On December 22, 1857, Shimer and Frances Ann Wood, the co-principal of the Mount Carroll Seminary, were married.[2] Their union was widely reputed to be a marriage of convenience.[4] [3]

Vocations

Shimer subsequently left for Chicago to study medicine. He graduated from the Chicago Medical College on March 1, 1866.[2] Shimer also obtained a Master of Arts from the University of Chicago by examination.[1]

He was a prolific entomologist and published widely, describing a number of novel species and genera.[1] He also served for a time as the assistant State Entomologist of Illinois.[1] In addition, he was an expert taxidermist, and had a collection of over 1000 mounted birds.[2] His collections were provided to the seminary for educational purposes.[2]

In the 1880s, Shimer became wealthy by speculating on real estate in Iowa, allegedly inspired by a dream.[4] At the time of his death his estate was worth approximately $200,000.[4]

Travels

Shimer traveled widely within the United States, stopping along the way to work as a stone mason. He sometimes covered more than a thousand miles on foot.[2] He is said to have worn boots at all times.[4]

Death

On July 28, 1895,[1] Henry Shimer committed suicide, either with a revolver[5] or by hanging.[4] He had amended his will five days previously to leave his entire fortune to his wife, leaving his mother and sister destitute.[4] In a highly publicized trial, the will was successfully contested.[3]

Published works

External links

Notes and References

  1. Entomological News. 6. December 1895. Henry Shimer, A.M., M.D.. 10. 10.
  2. Book: Jeriah Bonham. Henry Shimer, A.M., M.D.. Fifty Years' Recollections. 493 ff. J. W. Franks & Sons. 1883.
  3. News: Harold Henderson. Big Ideas: Tiny Shimer College has survived for 135 years on great books, high hopes, and very little money.. Chicago Reader. 1988-06-16. 2010-04-16.
  4. News: Chicago Daily Tribune. Trying to Break the Shimer Will. https://web.archive.org/web/20121026110145/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/428586311.html?dids=428586311:428586311&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI. dead. October 26, 2012. 1896-06-30. 2.
  5. News: 1895-07-31. Noted Entomologist Kills Himself. New York Times.