West, Benjamin. Born at Springfield, PA, October 10, 1738. An eminent painter who settled in England in 1763, and in 1792 succeeded Sir Joshua Reynolds as president of the Royal Academy, an office which he held until his death. His works were formerly very highly esteemed, and he is still considered one of the greatest painters whom America has produced. West died in London in 1820 and was buried in St. Paul's Cathedral.

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