Lester Frank Ward
Lester Frank Ward | |
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Lester Ward, age 43 | |
| Born | Lester Frank Ward June 18, 1841 Joliet, Illinois, U.S. |
| Died | April 18, 1913 (aged 71) Washington, D.C., U.S. |
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| Known for | Paleobotany, Telesis, sociology, and the introduction of sociology as field of higher education |
| Spouse(s) | Elizabeth Carolyn Vought (Lizzie); Rosamond Asenath Simons |
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Lester Frank Ward (June 18, 1841 – April 18, 1913) was an American botanist, paleontologist, and sociologist. The first president of the American Sociological Association, James Q. Dealey characterized Ward as a "great pioneer" in the development of American sociology, with contemporaries referring to him as "the Nestor of American sociologists". His 1883 work Dynamic Sociology was influential in establishing sociology as a distinct field in the United States. However, despite its initial impact his work was quickly sidelined during the later institutionalization and development of American sociology.