Vincenzo Botta
Vincenzo Botta (November 11, 1818 Cavallermaggiore - October 5, 1894 New York City) was an Italian-born politician and professor of philosophy, and later, in the United States, of Italian language and literature. Biography. Botta was educated at the University of Turin, and became professor of philosophy there. In 1849 he was elected to the Sardinian parliament, and in 1850 commissioned, in association with Dr. Parola, another deputy, to examine the educational system of Germany. Their report on the German universities and schools was published at the expense of the government. In 1853, he met Anne Lynch, a writer  from the United States then traveling in Europe. Also in 1853, Botta was sent to the United States for the purpose of investigating the public school system. He found New York City to his liking, settled there, and became naturalized. He taught philosophy and Italian at the University of the City of New York where for many years he was chair of the department of Italian language and literature. Botta and Anne Lynch were married in 1855. Their brownstone home at 25 West 37th Street became a meeting place for literary people and artists.