Henry David Thoreau – A man who’s writings have so influenced my thinking over many years. Died at age 44 (July 12, 1817 – May 6, 1862). Land surveyor, author, poet, philosopher, abolitionist, naturalist, tax resister, historian, and transcendentalist.
See also the Anarcho-Naturism movement. Sometimes referred to as Green Anarchism.
Preindustrial Craftsmanship 
“Surveyor, author, poet, philosopher, abolitionist, naturalist, tax resister, historian, and transcendentalist.” And arsonist. Let’s not forget that little episode.
Nothing dark in the past for you then?
Bob,
Tell me about the arson. I don’t recall that episode but I think he wrote about the old man wrongly accused of arson. Is there something else? I’m old and memory fades.
G
Found some info about a forest fire he started in 1844 burning about 300 acres. It was deemed an accident and may have pushed him further into his interest in the environment. I’ll post it. Thanks for heading me in this direction.