Henry Shimer


Henry Shimer 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, Chester County, Pennsylvania. He worked as a stone mason in his youth and took up teaching at the age of 18.
In March 1854, Shimer left Pennsylvania and traveled west to Mount Carroll, Illinois after a failed love affair. He may have done work on the construction or expansion of the Mount Carroll Seminary, for which the owners were unable to pay him.

Marriage

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

Vocations

Shimer subsequently left for Chicago to study medicine. He graduated from the Chicago Medical College on March 1, 1866. Shimer also obtained a Master of Arts from the University of Chicago by examination.
He was a prolific entomologist and published widely, describing a number of novel species and genera. He also served for a time as the assistant State Entomologist of Illinois. In addition, he was an expert taxidermist, and had a collection of over 1000 mounted birds. His collections were provided to the seminary for educational purposes.
In the 1880s, Shimer became wealthy by speculating on real estate in Iowa, allegedly inspired by a dream. At the time of his death his estate was worth approximately $200,000.

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. He is said to have worn boots at all times.

Death

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

Published works