Life of E.E. Barnard

Born in Nashville in 1857, Edward Emerson Barnard worked as a young boy for local photographer John H. Van Stavoren to support his family. It was there that Barnard first discovered his love of astronomy. Even though he had little formal education, Barnard’s experience with astrophotography led to a Vanderbilt scholarship, which launched his formal career in astronomy. Barnard went on to work at Lick Observatory and the University of Chicago. While he did not complete his studies at Vanderbilt, the University later awarded him an honorary degree.