Education of a Young Poet and Future Ornithologist

Philadelphia was the birthplace of American Ornithology. Alexander Wilson was the father. Like so many of America's forefathers, he was an immigrant. He was born in Paisley, Scotland. His parents were Alexander Wilson, known as Saunders, a former soldier and a weaver by trade, the latter requiring skill and artistic judgment, and Mary McNab, beautiful and talented. Sandy was an only son with two older sisters. His mother intended that he become a Presbyterian minister, a learned and respected profession in eighteenth century Scotland. To that end he was enrolled in Paisley Grammar School and privately tutored by Mr. Barlas, a divinity student. The elegant language and imagery of American Ornithology may derive from the time he spent reading the bible with Mr. Barlas who undoubtedly chose the King James translation commissioned by the first Scot to ascend the throne of a united Scotland, Ireland and England. However, when Sandy...