THE BOTANISTS OF PHILADELPHIA. 227 



BENJAMIN M. EVERHART. 



Benjamin M. Everhart, for many years associated with 

 J. B. Ellis in the study of the fungi, was born in 1818. He 

 ' is one of the best mycologists that America has ever pro- 

 duced, having done much good work with Mr. Ellis in the 

 description of new and rare plants. Having kept a general 

 store in West Chester, in which he took much pride, Mr. 

 Everhart amassed a considerable fortune, and is looked upon 

 as one of the wealthiest men in West Chester. By his 

 neighbors he is considered rather unapproachable and 

 peculiar, and a man ready to push a close bargain. His 

 study occupies a separate building from the house, which is 

 a large brick one, rather over-furnished within. In person 

 Mr. Everhart is a man of striking appearance ; his nose is 

 aquiline, his forehead low, his beard is scant and fringing, 

 his eyes are bright, and his smile pleasant. At the age of 

 seventy-seven he is still a man of considerable activity, 

 although slightly deaf.* 



CHARLES E. SMITH. 



Charles E. Smith f was born in Philadelphia on the 1st 

 of November, 1820, the son of Charles E. and Mary (Ogden) 

 Smith. His parents were of the strictest sect of the Society 

 of Friends, and Mr. Smith was carefully brought up in the 

 principles and faith of this peculiar but admirable people. 

 He owes much for the sterling qualities of his own 

 character to the firm, sound character of his parents. He 

 was a student for three years at the Westtown school, but 

 at the age of eighteen began the practical work of his life. 



* A visit was paid to Mr. Everhart in 1895 by the writer, in company with Dr. 

 William Sharpless, of West Chester. 



f 1893. The National Magazine. A Monthly Journal of American History. 

 April, XVII, p. 5fi". Article by L. A. Bond. (The National History Company. ]:;_' 

 Nassau Street, New i'ork.) 



