Minnesota's Geologist

 A sibling lent me a book called Minnesota's Geologist; The Life of Newton Horace Winchell by Sue Leaf. I have read other Sue Leaf books including the one she wrote about the ornithologist T.S. Roberts. Newton Winchell was a mentor to T.S. Roberts so that could be where she heard about him. Winchell was hired in 1880 to complete a geological survey of the state of Minnesota. He was given twenty years to get it done. Besides geology he also surveyed plants, animals and archaeology. He traveled by train, canoe, sail boat and horse. He is one of the notable early scientists of this state. His office was at the University of Minnesota. He was also charged with the task of creating a natural history museum which he did and which is now known as the  Bell Museum. Winchell's life is interesting in part because he grew up in a poor family and there were no funds for him to finish high school or go to college. He borrowed money from his relatives to go to school. As an adult, he lent money to his younger relatives so they would have the same chance that he had. He was a strong believer in education and during his career he taught at the high school and college levels. Winchell was a family man but wasn't home much because he was traveling across the state of Minnesota for his work. Besides his work as a geologist, he founded a Geologist Society and started a professional magazine for geologists. I thought this book was a detailed and loving look at a profoundly scientific man.