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{{Infobox Person
{{Infobox person
| name = Bohumil Shimek
| name = Bohumil Shimek
|box_width =
|image =Bohumil Shimek2.jpg
|image = Shimek.jpg
|image_width =frameless
|caption = Bohumil Shimek 1861-1937
|caption = Bohumil Shimek 1861-1937
| birth_date = June 25, 1861
| birth_date = June 25, 1861
Line 12: Line 10:
| spouse =
| spouse =
| parents = Maria Theresa and Francis Joseph Shimek
| parents = Maria Theresa and Francis Joseph Shimek
| children = Frank Shimek<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cgrer.uiowa.edu/herbarium/Images/HistoryBImages/HistBLarge/YoungShimek.htm |title=LargeImageText |accessdate=2010-04-10 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100629140423/http://www.cgrer.uiowa.edu/herbarium/Images/HistoryBImages/HistBLarge/YoungShimek.htm |archivedate=2010-06-29 }}</ref>
| children =
}}
}}
⚫
'''Bohumil Shimek''' (June 25, 1861 – January 30, 1937) was an American naturalist, conservationist, and a professor at the [[University of Iowa]]. The [[Shimek State Forest]] in [[Iowa]] is named after him.

⚫
'''Bohumil Shimek''' (June 25, 1861 – January 30, 1937) was a naturalist, conservationist, and professor at the [[University of Iowa]]. The [[Shimek State Forest]] in [[Iowa]] is named after him.


==Life==
==Life==
===Family and early life===
===Family and early life===
Shimek was born on a farm near [[Shueyville]], Iowa to [[Czech (people)|Czech]] parents, Maria Theresa and Francis Joseph Shimek, who came to the United States to escape religious and political persecution under the [[Austria]]n empire. In 1866, the family moved to [[Iowa City]] to have access to medical care for his mother, who was suffering from tuberculosis. However, she died soon there after. Shimek's father worked as a [[cobbler]]. In 1878, Francis Shimek became paralyzed and later died in 1880.<ref>[http://www.lib.uiowa.edu/spec-coll/Archives/guides/RG99.0036.htm University of Iowa: Papers of Bohumil Shimek]</ref>
Shimek was born on a farm near [[Shueyville]], Iowa to [[Czech (people)|Czech]] parents, Maria Theresa and Francis Joseph Shimek, who came to the United States to escape religious and political persecution under the [[Austrian Empire]]. In 1866, the family moved to [[Iowa City]] to have access to medical care for his mother, who was suffering from [[tuberculosis]]. However, she succumbed to the disease soon afterwards. Shimek's father worked as a [[shoemaking|cobbler]]. In 1878, Francis Shimek became paralyzed and later died in 1880.<ref>[http://www.lib.uiowa.edu/spec-coll/Archives/guides/RG99.0036.htm University of Iowa: Papers of Bohumil Shimek] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091010184728/http://www.lib.uiowa.edu/spec-coll/Archives/guides/RG99.0036.htm |date=October 10, 2009 }}</ref>


===Education and career===
===Education and career===
Bohumil Shimek first attended college in 1878 at the University of Iowa as a student of engineering. He graduated from the university in 1883 with a degree in civil engineering, and subsequently worked as a railroad and county surveyor. He later taught of [[Zoology]] at the [[University of Nebraska]] from 1888 to 1890, and later returned to the University of Iowa as an instructor in [[botany]]. In 1895, he became Assistant Professor in botany and curator of the herbarium, and he continued in the latter position until his death. In 1902 he was awarded a Master's degree in science. He served as head of the botany department at University of Iowa from 1914 to 1919.
Bohumil Shimek first attended college in 1878 at the University of Iowa as a student of engineering. During this time he became acquainted with [[Henry Augustus Pilsbry|Henry Pilsbry]] and the two would often collect shells together.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Wurtz|first=Charles|date=October 1957|title=Henry Augustus Pilsbry|url=https://archive.org/details/nautilus71amer/page/73/mode/1up?view=theater&q=grace|journal=The Nautilus|volume=71|pages=74}}</ref> He graduated from the university in 1883 with a degree in civil engineering, and subsequently worked as a railroad and county surveyor. He later taught of [[zoology]] at the [[University of Nebraska]] from 1888 to 1890, and later returned to the University of Iowa as an instructor in [[botany]]. In 1895, he became Assistant Professor in botany and curator of the herbarium, and he continued in the latter position until his death. In 1902 he was awarded a Master's degree in science. He served as head of the botany department at University of Iowa from 1914 to 1919.


Shimek traveled extensively in North America studying nature, and also spent time traveling in [[Czechoslovakia]], and [[Nicaragua]]. He especially traveled extensively throughout the American midwest and throughout every region of Iowa. Records show that between 1925 and 1928 Shimek had collected more than 10,000 specimens in Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, Wisconsin and Illinois. It has been estimated that, over his lifetime, Shimek contributed 200,000 specimens of vascular plants and 5,000 specimens of bryophytes to the collection.
Shimek traveled extensively in North America studying nature, and also spent time traveling in [[Czechoslovakia]], and [[Nicaragua]]. He especially traveled extensively throughout the [[Midwestern United States|American midwest]] and throughout every region of Iowa. Records show that between 1925 and 1928 Shimek had collected more than 10,000 specimens in Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, Wisconsin and Illinois. It has been estimated that, over his lifetime, Shimek contributed 200,000 specimens of vascular plants and 5,000 specimens of bryophytes to the collection.


He was a member of the [[Iowa State Geological Board]]. He was also chairman of the geological section of the [[International Scientific Congress]] held in Europe in 1911 as a tribute to his important contributions. The [[Geological Society of America]] awarded him a research grant in 1936.
He was a member of the [[Iowa State Geological Board]]. He was also chairman of the geological section of the [[International Scientific Congress]] held in Europe in 1911 as a tribute to his important contributions. The [[Geological Society of America]] awarded him a research grant in 1936.


===Political involvement===
===Political involvement===
Shimek worked for the independence of [[Czechoslovakia]]. He worked with his personal friend, historian [[Thomas G. Masaryk]], who was exiled to the United States. After Czechoslovakian independence, Shimek was invited to the [[Charles University of Prague]] to teach Botany as an exchange professor in 1914. Here he was awarded an honorary Ph.D. in recognition of his scientific contributions. He was also awarded a special Czech medal of honor in 1927.<ref>[http://www.iacad.org/bios/shimek.html Iowa Academy of Science: Bohumil Shimek]</ref>
Shimek worked for the independence of [[Czechoslovakia]]. He worked with his personal friend, historian [[Thomas G. Masaryk]], who was exiled to the United States. After Czechoslovakian independence, Shimek was invited to the [[Charles University of Prague]] to teach botany as an exchange professor in 1914. Here he was awarded an honorary Ph.D. in recognition of his scientific contributions. He was also awarded a special Czech medal of honor in 1927.<ref>[http://www.iacad.org/bios/shimek.html Iowa Academy of Science: Bohumil Shimek] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090514153306/http://www.iacad.org/bios/shimek.html |date=May 14, 2009 }}</ref>


===Death===
===Death===
In 1932, Shimek retired after teaching for over 46 years. He died in Iowa City, Iowa, on January 30, 1937 of heart complications caused by [[influenza]]. He was 75 years old at the time of his death.<ref>[http://www.iacad.org/bios/shimek.html Iowa Academy of Science]</ref>
In 1932, Shimek retired after teaching for over 46 years. He died in Iowa City, Iowa, on January 30, 1937, of heart complications caused by [[influenza]]. He was 75 years old at the time of his death.<ref>[http://www.iacad.org/bios/shimek.html Iowa Academy of Science] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090514153306/http://www.iacad.org/bios/shimek.html |date=May 14, 2009 }}</ref>


His services to Iowa and education were memorialized by the Iowa legislature in a unanimous resolution of tribute, passed after his death, on February 1, 1937.
His services to Iowa and education were memorialized by the Iowa legislature in a unanimous resolution of tribute, passed after his death, on February 1, 1937.


==Legacy==
==Legacy==
In a series of papers written in 1890, 1896, and 1898<ref>[http://siarchives.si.edu/findingaids/FARU7082.htm Smithsonian Institution Archives]</ref>, Shimek concluded that wind (rather than water) was responsible for the deposition of [[loess]] in eastern and western Iowa. He based this after extensive study of fossils, habitats, and animal/plant life in the area. This discovery proved to be a major contribution to the study of the environment in the region.
In a series of papers written in 1890, 1896, and 1898,<ref>[http://siarchives.si.edu/findingaids/FARU7082.htm Smithsonian Institution Archives]</ref> Shimek concluded that wind (rather than water) was responsible for the deposition of [[loess]] in eastern and western Iowa. He based this after extensive study of fossils, habitats, and animal/plant life in the area. This discovery proved to be a major contribution to the study of the environment in the region.


Upon his death Shimek's shell collection contained nearly two and a half million specimens, about half of which are [[loess]] fossils. This collection was sold to the [[Smithsonian Institution]], according to his wish.<ref>[http://persoon.si.edu/colls/collect/page.cfm Smithsonian Institution Historical Collections]</ref><ref>[http://www.sil.si.edu/smithsoniancontributions/Botany/pdf_hi/sctb-0018.pdf Smithsonian Institution]</ref>
Upon his death Shimek's shell collection contained nearly two and a half million specimens, about half of which are [[loess]] fossils. This collection was sold to the [[Smithsonian Institution]], according to his wish.<ref>[http://persoon.si.edu/colls/collect/page.cfm Smithsonian Institution Historical Collections]</ref><ref>[http://www.sil.si.edu/smithsoniancontributions/Botany/pdf_hi/sctb-0018.pdf Smithsonian Institution]</ref>


On December 23, 1991, Shimek's house at 529 Brown Street in Iowa City was declared a National Historic Site. In addition, [[Shimek State Forest]] in southern Iowa is named after him. An elementary school in [[Johnson County, Iowa]] is also named after him.<ref>[http://www.psk12.com/rating/USindivphp/SchID_98114_year_2003.html Bohumil Shimek Elementary School]</ref>
On December 23, 1991, [[Bohumil Shimek House|Shimek's house]] at 529 Brown Street in Iowa City was listed on the [[National Register of Historic Places]].<ref name=nrhp>{{cite web|url=https://npgallery.nps.gov/AssetDetail/NRIS/91001837|title=Bohumil Shimek House|publisher=[[National Park Service]]|accessdate=2017-05-23|author=}}</ref> The [[Shimek State Forest]] in southern Iowa is named after him. Additionally an elementary school in [[Johnson County, Iowa]], is named after him<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.psk12.com/rating/USindivphp/SchID_98114_year_2003.html |title=Bohumil Shimek Elementary School |access-date=2009-07-04 |archive-date=2011-09-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928204612/http://www.psk12.com/rating/USindivphp/SchID_98114_year_2003.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> and an award was created in his honor - the [[Bohumil Shimek Environmental Educator Award]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.extension.iastate.edu/iowaee/Awards.html |title=Awards |access-date=2010-04-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100505225929/https://www.extension.iastate.edu/iowaee/Awards.html |archive-date=2010-05-05 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

{{botanist|Shimek}}


==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}


== External links ==
==External links==
{{Wikisource author}}
* {{Internet Archive author |sname=Bohumil Shimek |sopt=t}}
* [http://www.inhs.uiuc.edu/~ksc/Malacologists/ShimekB.html partial malacological bibliography]
* [http://www.inhs.uiuc.edu/~ksc/Malacologists/ShimekB.html partial malacological bibliography]

{{Authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Shimek, Bohumil}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Shimek, Bohumil}}
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[[Category:University of Iowa alumni]]
[[Category:University of Iowa alumni]]
[[Category:University of Iowa faculty]]
[[Category:University of Iowa faculty]]
[[Category:American people of Czech descent]]
[[Category:Czech-American culture in Iowa]]
[[Category:Deaths from influenza in the United States]]

Latest revision as of 02:57, 5 April 2024

Bohumil Shimek
Bohumil Shimek 1861-1937
BornJune 25, 1861
Shueyville, Iowa
DiedJanuary 30, 1937 (aged 75)
Iowa City, Iowa
Occupation(s)professor, naturalist
ChildrenFrank Shimek[1]
Parent(s)Maria Theresa and Francis Joseph Shimek

Bohumil Shimek (June 25, 1861 – January 30, 1937) was an American naturalist, conservationist, and a professor at the University of Iowa. The Shimek State Forest in Iowa is named after him.

Life

[edit]

Family and early life

[edit]

Shimek was born on a farm near Shueyville, Iowa to Czech parents, Maria Theresa and Francis Joseph Shimek, who came to the United States to escape religious and political persecution under the Austrian Empire. In 1866, the family moved to Iowa City to have access to medical care for his mother, who was suffering from tuberculosis. However, she succumbed to the disease soon afterwards. Shimek's father worked as a cobbler. In 1878, Francis Shimek became paralyzed and later died in 1880.[2]

Education and career

[edit]

Bohumil Shimek first attended college in 1878 at the University of Iowa as a student of engineering. During this time he became acquainted with Henry Pilsbry and the two would often collect shells together.[3] He graduated from the university in 1883 with a degree in civil engineering, and subsequently worked as a railroad and county surveyor. He later taught of zoology at the University of Nebraska from 1888 to 1890, and later returned to the University of Iowa as an instructor in botany. In 1895, he became Assistant Professor in botany and curator of the herbarium, and he continued in the latter position until his death. In 1902 he was awarded a Master's degree in science. He served as head of the botany department at University of Iowa from 1914 to 1919.

Shimek traveled extensively in North America studying nature, and also spent time traveling in Czechoslovakia, and Nicaragua. He especially traveled extensively throughout the American midwest and throughout every region of Iowa. Records show that between 1925 and 1928 Shimek had collected more than 10,000 specimens in Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, Wisconsin and Illinois. It has been estimated that, over his lifetime, Shimek contributed 200,000 specimens of vascular plants and 5,000 specimens of bryophytes to the collection.

He was a member of the Iowa State Geological Board. He was also chairman of the geological section of the International Scientific Congress held in Europe in 1911 as a tribute to his important contributions. The Geological Society of America awarded him a research grant in 1936.

Political involvement

[edit]

Shimek worked for the independence of Czechoslovakia. He worked with his personal friend, historian Thomas G. Masaryk, who was exiled to the United States. After Czechoslovakian independence, Shimek was invited to the Charles University of Prague to teach botany as an exchange professor in 1914. Here he was awarded an honorary Ph.D. in recognition of his scientific contributions. He was also awarded a special Czech medal of honor in 1927.[4]

Death

[edit]

In 1932, Shimek retired after teaching for over 46 years. He died in Iowa City, Iowa, on January 30, 1937, of heart complications caused by influenza. He was 75 years old at the time of his death.[5]

His services to Iowa and education were memorialized by the Iowa legislature in a unanimous resolution of tribute, passed after his death, on February 1, 1937.

Legacy

[edit]

In a series of papers written in 1890, 1896, and 1898,[6] Shimek concluded that wind (rather than water) was responsible for the deposition of loess in eastern and western Iowa. He based this after extensive study of fossils, habitats, and animal/plant life in the area. This discovery proved to be a major contribution to the study of the environment in the region.

Upon his death Shimek's shell collection contained nearly two and a half million specimens, about half of which are loess fossils. This collection was sold to the Smithsonian Institution, according to his wish.[7][8]

On December 23, 1991, Shimek's house at 529 Brown Street in Iowa City was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.[9] The Shimek State Forest in southern Iowa is named after him. Additionally an elementary school in Johnson County, Iowa, is named after him[10] and an award was created in his honor - the Bohumil Shimek Environmental Educator Award.[11]

The standard author abbreviation Shimek is used to indicate this person as the author when citing a botanical name.[12]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "LargeImageText". Archived from the original on 2010-06-29. Retrieved 2010-04-10.
  2. ^ University of Iowa: Papers of Bohumil Shimek Archived October 10, 2009, at the Wayback Machine
  3. ^ Wurtz, Charles (October 1957). "Henry Augustus Pilsbry". The Nautilus. 71: 74.
  4. ^ Iowa Academy of Science: Bohumil Shimek Archived May 14, 2009, at the Wayback Machine
  5. ^ Iowa Academy of Science Archived May 14, 2009, at the Wayback Machine
  6. ^ Smithsonian Institution Archives
  7. ^ Smithsonian Institution Historical Collections
  8. ^ Smithsonian Institution
  9. ^ "Bohumil Shimek House". National Park Service. Retrieved 2017-05-23.
  10. ^ "Bohumil Shimek Elementary School". Archived from the original on 2011-09-28. Retrieved 2009-07-04.
  11. ^ "Awards". Archived from the original on 2010-05-05. Retrieved 2010-04-10.
  12. ^ International Plant Names Index.  Shimek.
[edit]
Wikisource has original works by or about:
Bohumil Shimek
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