Batty, J. H. (Joseph H.), 1847-1906

Exist Dates

1847 - 1906

Biographical or Historical Note

abstract

Collector and taxidermist born in Springfield, Massachusetts in 1847. Worked for many years as a taxidermist on various U.S. expeditions, published taxidermy books before being hired by the AMNH for a collecting expedition to Mexico from 1902-1906.

Joseph Batty was born in Springfield Massachusetts in 1847. He worked for many years as a taxidermist on various U.S. expeditions including the United States Geological Survey of 1873 in Colorado under Dr. F.V. Hayden, and in Montana under Elliott Coues as part of the Northern Boundary Survey in 1874.

Batty was a taxidermist in New York City and wrote popular books on hunting and taxidermy. He is said to have traveled extensively throughout Central and South American hunting plumes before returning to regular active collecting in 1898, mainly in Columbia, Mexico and Panama (then still part of Colombia) in 1901.

In 1902, he was commissioned to begin a collecting expedition in the American Southwest and Mexico and then later charged to also collect in Central America for the American Museum of Natural History. (6) Batty was heading south to continue collecting across Guatemala and the Cauca region of southwestern Colombia when he died in the field at Pijijiapa, Chiapas, Mexico. AR 1906, pg.117

Sources

Library of Congress Name Authority File no2020079303

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Related Corporate, Personal, and Family Names

Allen, J. A. (Joel Asaph), 1838-1921
associated dates: 1902-1906
Published many scientific papers on the specimens Batty collected for the AMNH. Allen also wrote Batty’s obituary in The Auk and AMNH museum publications.

American Museum of Natural History
associated dates: 1902-1906

Batty Expeditions to Mexico (1902-1906)
associated dates: 1902-1906
Batty led the expedition under the direction of the AMNH Departments of Mammalogy and Ornithology, collecting specimens for research and exhibition in the North American Mammals Hall. Batty died in the field during this expedition.

Goodknight, M. S.
associated dates: 1902-1906
Traveled with Batty to assist in collecting and preparation of specimens on the Batty Expeditions to Mexico (1903-1906).

North American Mammals Hall
associated dates: 1905-1906
During the Batty Expeditions to Mexico (1902-1906), Batty collected the specimens and accessories for the North American Mammals Hall, Collared Peccary group.

Related Resources

creatorOf

Batty Expedition to Mexico and Central America Photographs
associated dates: 1903-1906
Creator: Joseph Batty, M.S. Goodknight Extent: approximately 350 images Repository and Call Number: Photocards

creatorOf

Museum Scrapbook no. 46
associated dates: 1903-1906
Creator: American Museum of Natural History Extent: 1 bound volume (circa 150 prints) Repository: AMNH Library Special Collections Description: Museum Scrapbook with 150 prints and some captions

creatorOf

Joseph H. Batty Collection
associated dates: 1902-1905
Creator: American Museum of Natural History Extent: 0.21 Linear Feet (1 folder) Repository: AMNH Ornithology Archives, ORN 203 Description: Consists of map and listing of collection localities.

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