Cornelius Lott Shear Papers

Collection

Identifier: MS0299

Staff Only

Content Description

The Cornelius Lott Shear Papers contain certificates given to botanist and plant pathologist Shear, who traveled to foreign countries to research agriculture. Many of the certificates serve as introduction letters or statements of purpose presenting Shear’s credentials for official travel. An addition of two reprinted articles about Shear and a few personal photographs was made to the collection in 2011.

Dates

Creation: 1888-2000

Conditions Governing Access

Contact Special Collections for access.

Biographical Sketch

C. L. (Cornelius Lott) Shear (1865-1956), an internationally renowned mycologist and plant pathologist, began his 40-year career with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in 1895. Much of Shear's work took him around the world to study grapes, other small fruits, and fruit and plant diseases. In 1935 Shear retired as the principal pathologist for the USDA Bureau of Plant Industry. Shear served in administrative positions for many organizations, including the American Phytopathological Society, the Botany Society of America, and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He also held editorial positions for the journals Mycologia and Phytopathology.