If you're in a science class and studying Benjamin Banneker
You are probably curious about his life. What can you expect to learn about him in your Biographical sketch? Read on to learn about his early life, his career, and his impact on American science. And don't forget to learn about his contributions to American society. You'll also find useful tips for writing biographical sketches for students and adults.
Biographical sketch
This Benjamin Banneker biographical sketch gives an insight into the life of this African-American mathematician, astronomer, farmer, and author. >Born free in Baltimore County, Maryland, Banneker went on to become an accomplished author, publisher, astronomer, and urban planner. He was also the free descendent of two >enslaved Africans. He excelled in the natural sciences and was highly educated. During the early part of his career, Banneker was a surveyor and helped draw the original >borders of the District of Columbia.
Early life
The early life of Benjamin Banneker is poorly documented, and we know very little about his parents. We do know that he attended Quaker school in his younger years. At >around the age of six, he was named on the family farm deed and sent to a school to learn to read and write. At about the same age, Benjamin met Quaker Peter Heinrich, a >member of the anti-slavery movement, who helped build a school near his farm and spent time with Benjamin.
Career
Despite the challenges of his time, Banneker enjoyed a successful and widely-received career. Banneker was a talented astronomer who was employed by the Ellicott family, >who owned gristmills in the Baltimore area. George Ellicott, who possessed a large personal library, loaned Banneker books on astronomy. Andrew Ellicott then hired >Banneker to help him in his survey of the territory to be the nation's capital. Banneker worked out of an observatory tent, using a zenith sector to record the movement of >stars. He was only employed for three months, however, so the work was not particularly notable.
Influence on American science
It's not known when Benjamin Banneker began his influence on American science, but he did contribute a great deal to the field. Banneker's astronomical clock, which he >built himself, has been keeping time accurately for decades. Banneker was a self-taught clockmaker, but many historians say he created the first clock made in the United >States. Banneker, a fellow of George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, was born in the American colonies and was active during the early years of the United States.
Relationship with Andrew Ellicott
In the 1790s, a group of surveyors under the command of President George Washington surveyed the boundary lines of the federal territory that became the District of >Columbia. The team included Andrew Ellicott, his younger brother Joseph, and self-taught African American surveyor Benjamin Banneker. Ellicott's work resulted in the >laying of boundary stones for the 100-square-mile District. The team also completed Pierre Charles L'Enfant's original city plan and provided the basis for further >construction of the district.
Attempts to inspire veneration for human life
The book Attempts to inspire veneration for human existence by Benjamin Banneker was first published in 1879. Banneker was an African-American who spent his childhood >on a 100-acre tobacco farm. He attended a one-room Quaker schoolhouse and was taught to read by his grandmother, who brought him a Bible from England. A voracious >reader, Banneker also developed considerable skill in mathematics. His interest in puzzles led him to create his own and solve others'. He even constructed a striking wall >clock without ever seeing one.
