author
Merrill D. Beal
1898–1990
A longtime Idaho historian and teacher, he wrote widely about the American West, from Yellowstone and early Idaho history to Chief Joseph and the Nez Perce War. His work helped bring regional history to general readers as well as students.
1 Audiobook
The Story of Man In Yellowstone
by Merrill D. Beal
About the author
Born in 1898 in Ephraim, Utah, Merrill D. Beal was a historian, educator, and writer whose career was closely tied to the history of Idaho and the wider American West. Archival records from the University of Utah say he was later known by the nickname "Sam," earned an M.A. from the University of California, Berkeley in 1934, and completed a Ph.D. at Washington State University in 1945.
Beal taught at Idaho State University until 1966, where he became known as a professor of history. Library and catalog records connect him with books including History of Idaho (with Merle W. Wells), The Story of Man in Yellowstone, and I Will Fight No More Forever: Chief Joseph and the Nez Perce War. His papers and memoir also suggest a life spent balancing teaching, research, and public history.
He died in 1990. A suitable verified portrait image was not confirmed from the sources I could access, so no profile image is included.