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Bates, Samuel Penniman

educator, historian, poet, was born Jan. 29, 1827, in Mendon, Mass. In 1851 he graduated from the Brown university, and the following five years he was engaged in teaching the ancient languages in Meadville, Pa., which city has since been his home. In 1857 he was elected superintendent of public schools of Crawford county; received the re-election in 1860, but resigned to accept the office of deputy state superintendent of education, which position he held for six years.

In 1866 he was appointed state historian, and the result of his seven years' work was published in five volumes entitled History of Pennsylvania Volunteers. He next wrote the Lives of the Governors of Pennsylvania, which was followed by the following works: Martial Deeds of Pennsylvania; The History of the Battle of Gettysburg; The History of the Battle of Chancellorsville; and a Condensed History of Pennsylvania.