Charles C. Deam

Charles Clemon Deam was the first state forester of Indiana. He was born on August 30, 1865 on the family farm near Bluffton in Wells County, Indiana. Deam grew up on the family farm, where his father taught him about the plants on the farm before attending DePauw University for two years before leaving due to the cost of tuition. He was an avid amateur botanist who worked in a pharmacy, which he had partial ownership in until his death. His work as a clerk in a pharmacy led him to botany in an indirect way. Long work days of up to 14 hours caused stress. His doctor recommended that he take walks to reduce the stress. It was on those walks that Deam indulged his interest in botany, a hobby that would eventually lead him to a career in forestry for the state of Indiana. Deam's work as a forester has been honored by both the United States government and the state of Indiana. Two protected areas, Charles C. Deam Wilderness, part of the Hoosier National Forest and Deam Lake State Recreation Area an Indiana state park are named for him.