Bond, Frank, 1856-1940

Frank Bond was an American illustrator, statesman, and cartographer. Born in Iowa and educated at the State University of Iowa, he moved to Wyoming, and became active in local politics, serving as a member of the first Wyoming legislature. He later moved to Washington, D.C., where he was chief clerk of the General Land Office and later worked for the United States Geographic Board. Bond was an active illustrator, painter, and ornithologist, and drew numerous maps, including an often-reproduced map of the Louisiana Purchase.

Bond grew up in rural Johnson County, Iowa and earned degrees from the University of Iowa. While attending the university he collected bird specimens which can be found in the university's Museum of Natural History. He held several federal government positions including Chief of the Drafting Division and Chief Clerk of the General Land Office. During his tenure at the Land Office he helped determine the borders of Yosemite National Park. He was a skilled mapmaker and illustrator. As a conservation enthusiast he created and preserved bird refuges all over the country.