Anton Albert Beekman
Anton Albert Beekman (5 January 1854 – 23 May 1947) was a Dutch geographer who focussed mainly on Dutch geography and other European countries. He is seen as one of the original founders of modern geography. Early life. Beekman was born on January 5, 1854 to Albert Griffith Beekman and Aartje Brouerius van Nideck in Amsterdam. He was educated a multiple schools during his youth in Amsterdam and Wageningen. He then attended Koninklijke Militaire Academie in Breda. He was involved in the strengthening of the Dutch-Utrecht polderland through fortifications and possible underwater installations. He specialized in under  water engineering and geography during his service. At the age of 25 he left the service and became a mathematics teacher. Career. During his time as a math teacher he began traveling around the Netherlands and Europe. He published his findings in about 250 articles and books. He, together with Roelof Schuiling, was the publisher of the entire Earth's School Atlas. Most of his works are considered to be the beginning of modern geography. His works are still being used to educate Dutch youth in schools across the country.