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Akeley, Carl Ethan, 1864-1926

 Person

Dates

  • Existence: 1864-05-19 - 1926-11-17

Summary

Abstract:

Carl Ethan Akeley (born May 19, 1864, Clarendon, New York— died November 17, 1926, Belgian Congo, Africa), taxidermist, sculptor, inventor, explorer, and naturalist, who led five expeditions to Africa, three of which for the Museum of Natural History where he gathered specimens for his African Hall Exhibition. He is the author of the book In Brightest Africa.

Chronology:
1876
Mounted first bird at approximately 12 years old (1), Clarendon, NY
1877
13 years old. Borrowed a book on taxidermy and took painting lessons in Holley to make backgrounds (1), Clarendon, NY
1882-1883
Began apprenticeship at Ward's Natural Science Establishment, Rochester, NY
1883
Intermission from Ward's where he worked for six months in the shop of John Wallace in New York City (1), New York
1884-01
Returned to Ward’s Natural Science Establishment where he remained for three years (1), Rochester, NY
1886-11-08
Arrived in Milwaukee and worked for Milwaukee museum (1), Milwaukee, WI

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