BENJAMIN+BANNEKER

=BENJAMIN BANNEKER author: Adriana M.=

=  Brief Introduction = Benjamin Banneker was a free African American farmer. He was a self-taught mathematician and astronomer. He also wrote an almanac. He was appointed to lay out the boundaries of the nation's new capital. Working with head planner Pierre L'Enfont, Banneker helped to decide where the White House and capital would be located.

Early Years
Benjamin Banneker was born in Maryland on November 9, 1731. Both of his parents were slaves. His father's name was Robert and his mother Mary Banneky was the daughter of an Englishwoman. Benjamin lived on his father's farm and went to a nearby school in Quaker County. He didn't get any other education, but he enjoyed many things like reading. He taught himself about literature, history, and mathematics. He grew up with three sisters.

Life and Achievements
Some time between 1753 and 1761, Banneker borrowed a watch from a neighbor. He took the watch apart and drew every part of the clock. He reassembled returned the clock to his neighbor fully functioning. After, looking at his drawings he started to make the parts out of wood. When he was done he had made a full wooden clock that kept accurate time and struck the hours for over 50 years. Banneker became more interested in astronomy thanks to his neighbor, George Ellicott, who let him borrow astronomy books, a telescope, and drawing tools. He made projections for solar and lunar eclipses. He also made star maps for his almanac. Andrew Ellicott was appointed to overlook the 10-mile square of Federal Territory for a new nation capital. Benjamin Banneker was his assistant and helped to decide where the White House would be placed.

Last Years
The last known issue of Banneker's almanacs appeared in 1797, due to little interest in the anti-slavery movement. He continued to make maps for every year until 1804. He also published an essay on bees and reckoned the cycle of the 17-year locust. Banneker never married. He died on October 9, 1806. He was buried in the family burial grounds near his house. The memorabilia saved was his commonplace book and his journal where he kept all his records, astronomical calculations, and personal notations.

Afterlife
Only some of his writings survived, because most burned in a fire after he died. Banneker's memory was kept alive by writers who told of his achievements as the first African American astronomer.