Leon Luther Pray

Born on April 28, 1882, in Dowagiac, Michigan, Leon Luther Pray grew up sketching animals and studying the natural world around him. According to the Taxidermy Hall of Fame, an early visit to the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago left a strong impression on him and helped inspire his interest in taxidermy.

Pray went on to build a long career associated with Chicago's Field Museum, where his work as a taxidermist, modeler, illustrator, and sculptor earned lasting respect. The Taxidermy Hall of Fame credits him with nearly 45 years of connection to the museum and describes him as one of the most influential professional taxidermists of the twentieth century.

He is best remembered by many readers for Taxidermy, a practical book made widely available through Project Gutenberg. Its clear, instructional approach reflects the same mix of artistry, patience, and close study of animals that shaped his career. Pray died on September 18, 1975, in Aurora, Illinois.