William Henry Phelps
Photo: Unknown photographer, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons13

William Henry Phelps

American ornithologist and businessman (1875–1965)

William Henry Phelps Sr. (June 14, 1875 – December 8, 1965) was an American ornithologist and businessman.2

From Wikipedia’s article on William Henry Phelps (this version), CC BY-SA 4.0.

Born Jun 14, 1875, died Dec 8, 1965.1

About

One of his sons, William H. Phelps Jr., was also an ornithologist, and collaborated with him. William Phelps was the founder of the William Phelps Ornithological Collection, located in Sabana Grande. This is still the most important private ornithological collection of the world.

From Wikipedia’s article on William Henry Phelps, shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.2

Companies

Early life and education

  • Date not recordedMilton Academy3
  • Date not recordedHarvard College3

Born in New York City to Dudley F. Phelps, and of Louise Lander Prince Phelps, he attended Milton Academy and Harvard College. In the summer of 1896 he decided to go on a journey of ornithological exploration to Venezuela following the advice of Wirt Robinson, who had visited Margarita Island the year before, and from his mentor Frank M. Chapman. He went to the ports of Puerto Cabello and La Guaira to finally explore a region near Cumaná. After a long stay in the states of Sucre and Monagas, he became fascinated with the country and its birds. In San Antonio de Maturín, he met a family of British settlers, the Tuckers, and felt in love with one of the daughters, Alicia Elvira.

He returned to the United States with a small collection of specimens that he brought to Chapman at the American Museum of Natural History. The specimens he collected became the basis for his first essay published with Chapman in 1897.

From Wikipedia’s article on William Henry Phelps (this version), CC BY-SA 4.0.

Career

Occupation: ornithologist, zoologist, businessperson.5

Personal life

  • BornJun 14, 1875, New York City6
  • DiedDec 8, 1965, Caracas7
  • CitizenshipUnited States, Venezuela8
  • ResidenceVenezuela9

Awards

  • 1955Brewster Medal10 11