Merrill D. Beal
Merrill D. Beal (1898-1990) was an influential naturalist and educator known for his extensive contributions to the understanding of American landscapes and indigenous history. Born in Utah, he served in the United States Marine Corps during World War I before pursuing higher education, earning his Ph.D. from Washington State University in 1945. Beal authored notable works such as "Grand Canyon: The Story Behind the Scenery" and "The Story of Man in Yellowstone," showcasing his deep appreciation for and knowledge of these iconic natural sites. His biography of Chief Joseph, titled "I Will Fight No More Forever: Chief Joseph and the Nez Perce War," highlights the history and struggles of the Nez Perce Indians. In addition to his writing, Beal had a significant academic career, teaching at Ricks College and Idaho State University until his retirement. He was actively involved in various professional organizations, including the American Historical Association, and held numerous positions related to national parks and natural history. Beal's legacy continues through his works and his influence in the field of naturalism and history.
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Merrill D. Beal
Writer
- Born: November 3, 1898
- Birthplace: Richfield, Utah
- Died: October 27, 1990
- Place of death: Tuscon, Arizona
Biography
Merrill D. Beal was born in Utah in 1898 but worked as a Latter-Day Saints missionary after World War I. He served in the United States Marine Corps beginning in 1918 before attending the University of Utah in 1923. He furthered his education with an M.A. from the University of California at Berkeley in 1934 and completed it with a Ph.D. from the Washington State University in 1945.
Merrill D. Beal was a famous naturalist best noted for his works Grand Canyon: The Story Behind the Scenery and The Story of Man in Yellowstone. He also published a biography of the life of Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce Indians. This famous work is titled I Will Fight No More Forever: Chief Joseph and the Nez Perce War (1963).
During his lifetime, Merrill D. Beal was a teacher at Ricks College but primarily at Idaho State University from 1947 until his retirement in 1966. He was a member of the American Historical Association and the American Legion. He also served as the state director of the American Pioneer Trails Association, chief naturalist of the Grand Canyon, regional director of the National Parks Service, Midwest region, and acting superintendent of the United States Department of the Interior. For twenty-six summers, Beal shared his expertise as a ranger naturalist at Yellowstone National Park. He died in 1990 in Tuscon, Arizona, survived by his child, Merril David, whom he had with Bessy Neill, his wife of sixty-seven years.