Famous Missourian: Henry Shaw

Henry Shaw - by Diniti

Maybe you have heard of me. Maybe you have not. But I know that I, Henry Shaw, should be in the Missouri Hall of Fame because I was the founder of the Missouri Botanical Gardens,  My garden is home to many endangered creatures, and I am extraordinarily generous to everyone I meet.

Have you heard of the tallness of the grasses, the perfume of the flowers, and the beauty of every plant bed in the Missouri Botanical Garden? Maybe you have even seen it. Well, I planned and plotted nearly all of it. Yes, from the bobbing Walla Walla’s to the green hedge mazes, that was my brain thinking hard. I am glad to say that my garden is a nature symbol and and a state garden to Missouri, regardless of all the other that exist. Every garden made makes a big difference in the environment,most of them small, but all the big ones start the size of an idea. Mine started as a thought growing when I gazed over the victorian landscapes. Oh, how beautiful they were!

Not only should I be in the Missouri Hall of Fame because I created the Missouri Botanical Garden, but also because my garden, my     darling garden, is home to many endangered plants. Every year, hundreds of plant species slip away from the living void,and others just hang on for dear life, such as the cycad, a plant that was around since the age of dinosaurs. If I had not made the Missouri Botanical Garden, some of the plants out there would not exist. It helps a great deal to the world if you can manage to save one or two. Even poisonous plants that everyone hates, their importance is worth a lot, for they are a part of the circle of life and the food chain.

Imagine the world if everyone was generouse. Sure, it would be boring, but the world would've been a whole lot better. So that's why I know I should be in the Missouri Hall of Fame is because I am extraordinarily generous to everyone. In fact, the Missouri Botanical Garden was a gift for the city! My offered words were inspiration for travelers and encouragement to my neighbors. They were open doors of achievement to those who persevered. I believe in every kind of home prosperity, for that is the richest kind that exists.

Now that I know you have heard the reasons of why I should be in the Missouri Hall of Fame, I am nearly at peace. Yes it was a tragedy when I died at age 40 in 1899, but all of my dreams have been pursued and settled with satisfaction. All except one. Just remember that I came back  just for you and your friends to hear this. If you're really  not convinced, just go visit the Missouri Botanical Garden.Then there is no possible way you can not vote for me.  

I truly believe with all my heart that I belong to the Missouri Hall of Fame for all the reasons I have stated before.