George Washington Letterman was a noted botanist, a well-loved educator and Commissioner of Public Schools for St. Louis County. George was one five children – three boys and two girls – born to John Letterman and Charlotte Blair Letterman. He was born in May of 1841, near Bellefonte, in Centre County, Pennsylvania, to a family which had lived for three generations in Pennsylvania. George's father, John, was of Dutch descent; his mother Charlotte was of Irish descent.
The Lettermans are enumerated on the 1850 federal census as residing in the Borough of Mill Hall, in Clinton County, Pennsylvania. As enumerated, the household consisted of: John Letterman, 31 years old; Charlotte Letterman, 30 years old; Benjamin F. Letterman, 10 years old; George W. Letterman, 8 years old; William H. Letterman, 5 years old; and Margaret Letterman, 3 years old. All are listed as being born in Pennsylvania. John was working as a laborer. All the children, except young Margaret, had attended school within the year. George received his early education in the public schools of Pennsylvania.
I have been unable to find the family on the 1860 census. However, at some point George left the home to attend the State College of Center County, Pennsylvania (also known at the Farmers Agricultural College, now Penn State). His studies there were interrupted by the war. Nevertheless, he graduated from the college in 1863.
George served in four different units during the war. His service took him from Pennsylvania, to Kentucky, Illinois, Kansas, and ultimately to New Mexico.
Lt. Col. Litzinger's Battalion, Infantry, Emergency, 1863
In 1863, George served as a Private in Lt. Col. Litzinger's Battalion of the Pennsylvania Infantry – one of the emergency militias organized for the protection of Pennsylvania against Lee's invasion in 1863. Robert Litzinger, from Blacklick Township in Cambria County, Pennsylvania, commanded the unit. The official army records refer to this unit as "Lt. Col. Litzinger's Battalion, Infantry, Emergency, 1863." It was also called "Litzinger's Infantry Battalion." There were about 400 men in this unit; many of whom were from the Blacklick Township area. Blacklick Township is about 70-80 miles from State College, Pennsylvania. The Litzinger unit mustered into duty on June 23, 1863 and mustered out at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, on August 8, 1863. The unit then disbanded. The unit served on the fringes of the Gettysburg campaign.
121st Regiment, United States Colored Infantry
George next served as a 1st Lieutenant in Company A of the 121st U.S. Colored Infantry. On July 25, 1864, President Lincoln appointed George, then in civil life, to serve as a 1st Lieutenant in the 121st U.S. Colored Infantry. George joined for duty and enrolled on August 15, 1864, at Lexington, Kentucky. On August 18, 1864, by order from the headquarters of the U.S. Colored Troops at Camp Nelson, Kentucky, George was ordered on temporary duty to Lt. Col. Sand, commanding the 116th U.S.C.I. The 121st U.S. Colored Infantry was formally organized at Maysville, Kentucky, on October 8, 1864. George was assigned to duty with his company in the 121st – Company A – on October 10, 1864. He mustered into service in Company A on October 24, 1864, at Camp Nelson, Kentucky. He was 23 years old at the time.
The men of the 121st U.S.C.I. performed garrison and guard duty at various points in the Military District and Department of Kentucky until June 1865. George appears as present on company muster rolls from the organization of the unit in October 1864, until December 1864. He also appears as present on company muster rolls for the months of January, February, March, and April of 1865.
The 121st U.S.C.I consolidated with the 13th U.S. U.S. Colored Heavy Artillery in July of 1865. The War Department reassigned George to Company G of the 13th U.S.C.H.A. George mustered out of the 121st on July 7, 1865, and on the next day, July 8, 1865, he joined, enrolled, and mustered into service as a 1st Lieutenant in Company G of the 13th U.S.C.H.A.
13th Regiment, United States Colored Heavy Artillery
As noted, the 121st U.S. Colored Infantry consolidated with the 13th U.S. Colored Heavy Artillery in July of 1865. George mustered out of the 121st U.S.C.I. on July 7, 1865, and was reappointed to the 13th U.S.C.H.A. as a First Lieutenant. He officially joined for duty and enrolled in the 13th U.S.C.H.A. on July 8, 1865, at Louisville, Kentucky, for a period of three years. He mustered into service on that same date. In all, George served as 1st Lt. of Company G, 13th U.S. Colored Heavy Artillery from July 8 to November 18, 1865, when the regiment mustered out of service.
The 13th U.S. Colored Heavy Artillery was organized at Camp Nelson, Kentucky on June 23, 1864. The unit served garrison duty at Camp Nelson, Smithland, Lexington, and other points in Kentucky.
George served in Company G of the 13th U.S.C.H.A. – many of the men in that company mustered in from Greenupsburg, Greenup County, Kentucky. George appears as present on the company muster rolls for July, August, and September 1865.
George, as well as the rest of the 13th U.S.C.H.A., mustered out of service on November 18, 1865, at Louisville, Kentucky. At the time he mustered out, George had yet to be paid for his service in the unit. Upon mustering out, George attested that to the best of his ability, he had returned all clothing, camp and garrison equipment, that had come into his possession, whether that government property had been captured from the enemy, invoiced to him, or otherwise had come into his possession informally. He also attested that he was not indebted to the United States on any account whatsoever. Col. Foster, of the 13th U.S.C.H.A., also attested that George had made all the required returns of all government property. The regimental quartermaster also attested that George was not indebted to him.
125th Regiment, United States Colored Infantry
On December 11, 1865, just several weeks after he mustered out of the 13th U.S.C.H.A., George was appointed from civilian life to be a First Lieutenant in the 125th U.S. Colored Infantry. He accepted the appointment on December 23, 1865, and joined for duty and enrolled on December 27, 1865, at Camp Chase, Ohio. He mustered into service same date, December 27, 1865. He was 25 years old. Rather than a specific term of duty, George served at the pleasure of the President. George was initially assigned to Company K, on a temporary basis. He served with that company at Camp Chase, Ohio, until January 1, 1866, when he left for Cairo, Illinois. He reported for duty at Cairo on January 6, 1866, and was assigned to Company A of the 121st U.S.C.I on January 23, 1866. George appears as present on the muster roll for Company A for the months of January, February, March, and April 1866. George was on duty at Cairo.
On April 8, 1866, at Cairo, Illinois, George requested to be relieved from duty with Company A of the 125th U.S.C.I and assigned to duty with some other company. George believed the change would be both pleasant to himself and agreeable his present commanding officer. On April 12, 1866, George was commissioned as Captain in the 125th U.S.C.I. On that same date, George left with the regiment for Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas. He was relieved from duty in Company A on May 1, 1866, and assigned to command of Company K of the 125th U.S.C.I. on that same date. He was on duty with Company K across the plains to Fort Union, New Mexico, where he arrived on July 1, 1866.
George accepted the appointment as Captain, and therefore mustered out as 1st Lt. of Company K of the 125th U.S.C.I. on June 30, 1866, at Santa Fe, New Mexico. But due to some apparent oversight, George was not formally mustered back in as Captain of Company K until January 10, 1867. He nevertheless assumed command of the company, and his service as Captain was ultimately dated retroactively to July 1, 1866.
On July 8, 1866, a week after arriving at Ft. Union, George left the fort for Fort McRea, New Mexico, arriving there on August 4, 1866. He remained in command of Company K, and was appointed post treasurer on September 9, 1866. On September 24, 1866, he was relieved from duty at Fort McRea and ordered to Fort Bascom, New Mexico. On September 27, 1866, George was wounded in the left hand by the accidental discharge of a pistol. George left Fort McRea, and in a letter dated November 2, 1866, directed to 1st Lt. & Adjt Wheeler of the 125th U.S.C.I., he reported that he had arrived safely with his company at Fort Bascom on October 31st. Fort Bascom was established in 1863, on the south bank of the Canadian River in eastern New Mexico, slightly west of the Texas border, near present-day Tucumcari.
The fort was one of a series of forts established to help guard the eastern frontier of New Mexico. It helped control the Kiowa, Comanche, and other tribes inhabiting the Red and Canadian River region; watched over the Goodnight-Loving Cattle Trail, as well as the Santa Fe Trail; and policed the activities of the "Comancheros," American and Mexican renegades who traded illegally with the Indians. The fort was abandoned in 1870. The fort consisted of a sandstone officers' quarters and a few adobe buildings. Over the years, the buildings fell into disrepair. Nothing is left of the fort today.
George remained on duty at Ft. Bascom from the fall of 1866 until October of 1867. He served as A.A.Q.M. and A.C.S. at the fort, pursuant to an order dated November 14, 1866. He served in the positions from December 1, 1866 until March 2, 1867, and remained in command of Company K. George was relieved from duty as A.A.Q.M. and A.C..S on March 2, 1867, and assigned to command of Ft. Bascom. He assumed command on March 4, 1867. George appears as present on the muster roll for Company K, as commanding both Company K and the post, for the months of March through October, 1867. On October 20, 1867, George was relieved from duty at Ft. Bascom, and ordered to report to Col. Gerhart, Commanding Regiment at Ft. Union. George arrived at Ft. Union on November 5, 1867. Two days later, on November 7, 1867, he was relieved from duty and ordered to proceed to Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas, for muster out. George arrived at Ft. Leavenworth on December 14, 1867. He mustered out on December 20, 1867.
George applied for an invalid pension in May of 1913. He died, however, before completing the application process.
George's brother William also served, as a Private in Company E of the 49th Pennsylvania Infantry. He enlisted on October 24, 1861, and died while serving, on September 11, 1862. The obituaries for George state that his brother Benjamin also served, but thus far I have been unable to document his service.
Move to Missouri
After George mustered out at the end of the war, he wandered around the country for a few years. He returned to Pennsylvania for a time, and then went west again to Kansas, with the idea of becoming a farmer there. He finally settled in Allenton, Missouri, in 1869.
George settled in Allenton in 1869. Soon thereafter he became a teacher in the Allenton public school, a position he held for twenty-three years. He also served three terms as School Commissioner for St. Louis County. And, he became a well-known and respected botanist, known the world over.
George never married and had no children. He never spoke of his family or of his early life.
What is known has been gained through research, and a note George penned on his deathbed, listing his birthplace and family information.
George lived a very "modest," "isolated," "unostentatious life." He lived alone in a one-room cabin, which he rented, and only used at night. The cabin – or sometimes described as a cottage – was furnished with a stove, table and bed. George spent most of his time in the woods, in search of rare plants, flowers, and trees, studying the flora of the area, and trapping insects. He diligently studied the flora of the state, especially that of St. Louis County. His cabin became a storehouse for his botanical specimens.
It is said that George belonged to no church or society, and that he never went to places of entertainment. And it was not known if he even visited his neighbors.
George was regarded by his fellow townsmen as being an "eccentric recluse." And while George had a "retiring nature," and lived somewhat the life of a hermit, he was nonetheless a well-respected and loved citizen of Allenton. He had a jovial disposition and always had a pleasant word for everybody. His kindness and patience endeared him to all. People went to him to ask his advice and to have important papers written in his beautiful penmanship. And the Allenton school attracted pupils from far and wide because of Professor Letterman.
George was close friends with Dr. Engelmann and Prof. Gustav Hamback, both from Washington University. His most intimate friend was Joe Goode, an "old black man" who lived nearby in Allenton. Joe was born sometime in the 1850s. He is enumerated on the 1880 census as boarding in the home of Jane Billips, in Allenton. He was 23 years old, and listed as being born in Missouri, with parents born in Virginia. He was single, and working as a laborer. Joseph is enumerated on the 1900 federal census as residing in Meramec Township. He was renting his own place, and is listed on the census record just above George. Joseph was single, 42 years old, and listed as being born in Missouri in October of 1857. He is again listed as having parents who were born in Virginia. He was working as a barber. Joseph is enumerated on the 1910 census as residing on the Allenton-Pacific Road, in Meramec Township. He was 53 years old, and listed as being born in Missouri, with a father born in Virginia and a mother born in Missouri. He was working as a laborer at odd jobs. Joe died from pneumonia on March 5, 1930, at the People's Hospital in St. Louis. He is buried at Father Dickson Cemetery, in Crestwood.
George is enumerated on the 1870 federal census as residing in Meramec Township of St. Louis County. As so enumerated, George is listed as George W. Letterman, 28 years old, born in Pennsylvania. He was working in a school teacher, and residing in the home of Jane Williams, 47 years old, born in Ohio. A Maria Clark, school mistress, was also residing in the home.
George is enumerated on the 1880 census as residing in Allenton. As so enumerated, George is listed as George W. Letterman, 37 years old, born in Pennsylvania, parents born in Pennsylvania. He was teaching school, and living in the home of John and Martha Demire.
George was a noted botanist, but he was equally known for being a teacher in Allenton. He taught in the Allenton School for 20-23 years, and did much to advance education in the area. He loved children, and in turn was much beloved by his students. His fame spread far and wide, and several children were sent to school in Allenton from adjoining townships.
"Every morning Mr. Letterman stopped at the railroad station and picked up the daily paper from St. Louis." He had a large map of the world hanging in his school room, and as he read the news to his pupils they located the places on the map where the events took place.
George shared his love of botany with his students. He had his students bring in plants, and time was allotted to their study and examination. And on Saturdays, on his own free time, he took his students on nature hikes through the woods and they explored caves.
In January of 1885, the St. Louis County Court, by request of the Republican Central Committee, appointed George as School Commissioner of St. Louis County. George accepted the position and set about to carry out the duties of the office. George's appointment was just that – an appointment. The position was an elected position. Shortly after his appointment, many in Allenton, and the county as a whole, called for him to run for office at the next school election, to be held in April. Support for George seemed universal. Even potential opponents supported George. And the county newspaper touted George's ability. George heeded the calls, and ran for the office. The St. Louis County Watchman continued their support of Letterman's candidacy. And opponents withdrew from the race. George was unanimously elected. He served for three terms. George's responsibilities as school commissioner included examining individuals for teaching positions in the county. He also directed administrative details. George also handled disputes from, and between, the districts. For instance, in May of 1890, several school districts wished to "capture" property belonging to other and adjoining districts. The Manchester District wished to absorb a portion of several districts whose territory was contiguous. The Old Orchard District, which was experiencing a growth in population, and had saddled itself with $10,000 in debt to build a new school house. The district wished to encroach upon the territory of its big neighbor, Webster Groves, to acquire about 100 acres. The voters of Old Orchard voted for the proposition; the voters of Webster Groves did not. These disputes found their way to George – who did not allow either action. George also judged various spelling and writing contests. And in September of 1888, he was in charge of the educational department of the St. Louis County Fair, and he requested that all teachers in the county declare a holiday, so that their pupils could attend the Fair. The directors of the Fair Association announced free admission to all teachers and school children of the county. A singing contest was held, as well as a written spelling match. George acted as one of the judges at the spelling contest. Almira Wengler, of Clayton, was declared the winner. Almira was the daughter of veteran William C. Wengler.
In January of 1890, George chaired a meeting of 150 teachers from the county, for the purpose of organizing a teachers' institute. A constitution was adopted and signed by many of the teachers present, including George. The organization took hold. An article from April 1892 noted that the St. Louis County Teachers' Institute was holding its eighth quarterly meeting. George, still the county superintendent, chaired the meeting, held in Kirkwood. Ninety of the 130 teachers of the county attended. Many papers were read, and addresses heard. A hot-button topic of the meeting appeared to be the use of corporal punishment in the schools, which a majority of those present opposed.
In addition to promoting professionalism among his teachers, it appears George may have also attended national conventions – or at least kept up with national happenings. In July of 1886, the Watchman thanked George for a copy of the Topeka (Kan.) Daily Capital, containing a report of the annual meeting of the National Educational Association.
The schools in St. Louis County flourished under George.
Shortly after arriving in Allenton, George met Mr. August Fendler, a well-known botanist who had a farm in the neighborhood. Mr. Fendler sparked George's interest in botany, especially in trees. From 1870 to just a few months before his death – a span of forty years – George had an active interest in science. As noted, he spent his time in the woods, studying and collecting the flora and fauna of the Missouri countryside. His interest in ferns and flowers was proverbial among his neighbors and friends. He spent "weeks, months, years" collecting rare botanical specimens. George was known as a "keen and discriminating collector, particularly of Missouri plants…." He became known to scientist the world over as one of America's greatest botanist.
George's cabin was a storehouse for his botanical specimens. At his death, it was noted that his herbarium (dried, pressed plant collection), consisted of 10,000 species, that it contained many rare specimens, and was one of the most valuable collections in the world. Although George experienced dire/needy circumstances, and even though his botanical specimens were of priceless value to science, he never thought of turning any of his treasures into money. Rather, it was his dream to leave his specimens as a precious heritage to some Missouri institution of learning. His collection is housed at the Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis.
Many distinguished American and European scientists made pilgrimages to Prof. Letterman's little cabin at Allenton and made excursions with him through his beloved woods along the Meramec River." Professor Charles Sprague Sargent, Professor of Arboriculture at Harvard, was one of those who loved to visit Prof. Letterman and ramble with him through the woods and marvel at his collection of specimens. Professor Sargent was special agent of the Tenth U.S. Federal Census – in particular, he was superintendent of the tree census. George, in turn, was appointed a special agent of the United States Census Department, to collect information about the trees and forest of Missouri, Arkansas, western Louisiana, and eastern Texas. The distribution of the trees of the region was little known before George's travels. The Census Office of the U.S. Department of the Interior released Professor Sargent's report on the forest of North America – including the information George had gathered – in 1884. George provided a copy of the report to the St. Louis County Watchman in 1885. And in January 1889, he presented 16 maps and a copy of the report to the St. Louis Academy of Science. Professor Sargent's works was said "to excel anything of its kind ever before published."
Through Professor Sargent, George also became a collaborator in the preparation of the noted Jesup collection of North American Woods, at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. He was employed as an agent of the museum, to collect specimens of the trees of the same region for the collection.
George traveled extensively throughout the United States. In addition to his travels for the 1880 tree census, George traveled to, and collected specimens from 1880 to 1891 in the following states from 1880 to 1891: Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Texas, and Wyoming.
In 1878, George attended the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia. He reported his botanical research findings to the Smithsonian Archives in Washington, D.C., and corresponded with botanists in the U.S. Department of Agriculture from 881 to 1883.
George took at least two trips west, during the summers of 1885 and 1886. George traveled to the Yellowstone region in July and August of 1885. During this same trip, George visited the Fossil Butte National Monument, in Wyoming, and was the first trained botanist to do so. He made a series of collections, which are deposited at the Gray Herbarium and the U.S. National Herbarium.
George returned to the west again, a year later, when he in July of 1886 he traveled to Colorado and for six weeks toured the Rocky Mountains.
Through Fendler, George met Dr. George Engelmann, a German-born botanist and physician associated with Washington University, for whom George made large collections of plants in the neighborhood of Allenton, with many notes on the Oaks and Hickories. Dr. Engelmann helped found what is now the Missouri Botanical Gardens, and became one of George's closest friends. George was one of the founders of the Engelmann Botanical Club in St. Louis. To the delight of members, George would arrive from Allenton, loaded down with specimens of plans of the most rare and interesting kinds, and his explanations of his personal observations on those plants was "a treat worthwhile and not easily forgotten."
Though widely known and respected, George had no desire to achieve a reputation through publication. Instead, his greatest pleasure was imparting information to his pupils. Numerous universities, including Yale and Harvard (twice), offered George positions as an instructor in botany. George treasured those offers, but turned them down. George preferred a quiet life among the Meramec hills about Allenton and Eureka. As often stated, George preferred "the vaulted arches of the Meramec woods to the man-made halls of learning."
George discovered many rare plants, which were then named after him. In botanical terminology, many species are known as "Letterman." Some of the genera containing species named for him are Vernonia, Poa, Stipa, and Crataegus. This insured undying fame for the hermit scientist. It was all the reward he asked for the efforts of a lifetime devoted to increasing the world's store of knowledge.
George had a fondness for animals, as well. In May of 1896, the Pacific paper reported that George had succeeded in "trapping an opossum with fifteen young ones some time ago, and they have become tame.
It was said that George belonged to no church or society, and that he never went to places of entertainment. And it was not known if he even visited his neighbors. Though described as a recluse, I have found several instances of George out and about in town, involved in the community and a variety of causes.
In April of 1888, George was elected as member of the St Louis County Farmer's League, as was fellow Allenton resident William C. Wengler. Robert C. Allen was elected president for the year. In April of 1890, the farmers of the county once again organized against robbers. In an answer to the call of the Sheriff of St. Louis County, about 100 delegates chosen by the school districts, gathered at Clayton for the purpose of organizing an association whose main purpose was to be the suppression of stealing in the county. The farmers had become "thoroughly aroused in view of the inability of the Sheriff to prevent the carrying off of their property." George served as secretary of the meeting, and was one of the committee that selected officers for the organization. The committee selected him to serve as secretary of the organization as well. Those gathered approved the selection. The group adopted a series of resolutions, and "all present showed their enthusiasm and determination to break up the gang of thieves that [had] been preying upon them."
In June of 1889, George contributed $5 to the Johnstown fund, being raised for the benefit of the sufferers from the flood in the Conemaugh Valley, Pennsylvania
George attended the fifth annual fair of the St. Louis County Agricultural and Mechanical Association, held at Jacob Studt's Park, Upper Creve Coeur Lake, in September of 1891. George may have been a member of the association – such is implied in the article.
In June of 1895, George went to St. Louis on business. He traveled to St. Louis again in July of 1897.
George served on several juries. He served as a juryman at Clayton in February of 1896. And in October he served on the grand jury at the October term of the St. Louis County Circuit Court. And in June of 1906, it was noted that "Prof. Letterman had a surcease from jury work, but was called back last week." In March of 1906, the Pacific paper noted that George was absent from Allenton on jury duty, and thus there was "nothing doing" in Allenton.
George is enumerated on the 1900 federal census as residing in Meramec Township. As so enumerated, George is listed as George Letterman, 59 years old, born May 1842 in Pennsylvania, parents born in Pennsylvania. He was listed as head of household, renting his home. He was single, and listed as being an ex school teacher.
George, along with F.F. Eronim, Henry Guibor, Dr. Eatherton and B. Gudermuth, were elected delegates to the good roads convention, held at Clayton in September of 1906.
In politics, George was a Republican. The Republican Club of Allenton met at the Allenton school house in 1896. George was an active officer of the club. He was also active on the county-wide level. He was on the committee of resolutions, at the April 1896 meeting of the St. Louis County Republicans. He was also elected at that meeting to be a delegate to the upcoming state convention at St. Joseph, Missouri. As an aside, the National Convention of the Republican Party was held in downtown St. Louis in 1896. The Convention nominated Ohio Governor and Civil War veteran William McKinley for President of the United States. McKinley was elected later that year.
George is enumerated on the 1910 federal census as residing in Meramec Township. As so enumerated, George is listed as George W. Letterman, 68 years old, born in Pennsylvania, parents born in Pennsylvania. George was head of household, and working as a botanist for the U.S. He was single, able to read and write, and renting his home on the Allenton-Eureka road.
George died on May 28, 1913, at his home in Allenton. Several months before he had suffered a severe attack of "lagrippe," (Spanish flu) from which he never recovered. Town stories hold that he died from eating poisonous mushrooms. George had been sick about three months prior to his death. Dr. G.M. Stelzlennia, a physician from Grand Avenue in St. Louis who was attracted to George through the study of botany, attended George during George's last illness. Though frequently a contributor to the Watchman-Advocate, George asked that news of his illness be kept out of the paper.
Reports conflict as to who was at George's bedside when he died. Some reports say Joe Goode was the only one, and that he held George's hand when George passed away. The obituary in the Watchman-Advocate, however, stated that Miss Byrda Votaw, William Pfeiffer, Fred, Jacob and Robert Wengler, and Joseph Goode were all at his bedside. Either way, George was well-tended to in his final days. George's good friend, Joe Goode, had looked after George's every want and need when George fell ill. And in the final days, neighbors pitched in, staying up all night with George.
A funeral for George was held at the Methodist Church on May 30th, with the Rev. P.P. Lewis presiding. Rev. Lewis was a life-long friend and admirer of George. Several of George's former pupils served as pallbearers.
George was buried in the Allen Cemetery, where it is said his grave was blanketed with flowers.
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Obituary
St. Louis Globe-Democrat
Thursday, May 29, 1913
RECLUSE, FAMES AS BOTANIST, IS DEAD
Prof. Letterman, Authority on Herbs, Was Mystery to Neighbors
NEGROE HIS CONFIDANT
Scientist, 72, Tells History for First Time in Farewell Note
George W. Letterman, 72 years old, an eccentric recluse known nationally as a botanist, died at his home at Allenton, St. Louis County, at 5 o'clock yesterday afternoon. Joe Goode, a negro, who had attended him out of kindness during his last illness, was the only person present when he died. Prof. Letterman had taught the Allenton School for twenty-three consecutive years, but all that his neighbors knew of his history was furnished on a slip of paper written with a lead pencil a few moments before the end came. It was known he was a national figure among botanists, and possessed a herbarium which is said to be one of the rarest in the world but he never mentioned his family relations. On the paper was written:
"I am now ill and really in need. I never was married and live alone. My neighbors are extremely kind."
Then followed a short history of his life in which he stated he was born in Centre County, Pa., in 1841, was a graduate of the Farmers Agricultural College, now the Pennsylvania State University, in 1863, had two brothers who are dead, and one sister from whom he has never heard since her marriage. He had forgotten her husband's name. Prof. and his two brothers were in the Civil War.
Lived in One-Room Cottage
His life in Allenton was spent in a one-room cottage, which he rented and used only at night. During the day he was in the woods trapping moths and insects, or watching the growth of plants.
When he became ill several weeks ago his most intimate friend, Joe Goode, who is about his own age, cared for him. Later when he became weaker, neighbors took turns in remaining all night.
He had shown letters from Yale and other universities, offering him positions as instructor in botany, but he preferred life among the Meramec hills about Allenton and Eureka. In the Popular Science Monthly several years ago, an extended article was printed, giving the discoveries and some of the eccentricities of Prof. Letterman. His neighbors will give him a funeral.
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Obituary
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Thursday, May 29, 1913
PROF. LETTERMAN, NOTED BOTANIST, DIES IN POVERTY
Attended Only by Negro in One-Room Cabin, Hermit Succumbs at Allenton
TELLS PAST AS LAST ACT
Writes He Never Was Married – Noted Scientist Visited Him in County Woods
George W. Letterman, regarded by his fellow townsmen as an eccentric recluse, but known to scientist the world over as one of America's greatest botanist, died in poverty and attended only by a negro neighbor in his little cabin at Allenton, 30 miles west of St. Louis, Wednesday afternoon.
Letterman had lived in Allenton 30 years, and for 20 years he was a teacher in the public school there. He was a bachelor, 72 years old.
Throughout his long stay in Allenton he had lived alone in his little one-room cabin, spending most of his time in the woods in search of rare plants, flowers, and trees.
Writes He Never Married
In Allenton there had been much speculation as to Prof. Letterman's past, and as to whether or not family troubles had caused him to choose the life of a recluse and woodsman.
His last act was to set all these questions at rest by writing a short statement, which he completed only a few minutes before he died. It read:
"I am now ill and really in need. I never was married, and live alone. My neighbors are extremely kind."
Added to this was a short history of his life, which said that he was born in Pennsylvania, and was a graduate of the Farmers' Agricultural College, now the Pennsylvania State University. He had two brothers, now dead, and a married sister, whose whereabouts he did not know.
The little cabin in which Prof. Letterman died was a storehouse for botanical specimens of priceless value to science, but even in direct extremity of need he never had thought of turning any of his treasures into money.
It had been the dream of his life to leave his specimens as a precious heritage to some Missouri institution of learning. Among his closest friends were the late Dr. Engelmann of Washington University and Prof. Gustav Hamback, who for many years occupied the Washington University chair of geology.
Many distinguished American and European scientists made pilgrimages to Prof. Letterman's little cabin at Allenton and made excursions with him through his beloved woods along the Meramec.
Waved Aside Professorships
Many rare plants which he discovered were named after him and in botanical terminology many species are known as "Letterman." This insures undying fame for the hermit scientist. It was all the reward he asked for the efforts of a lifetime devoted to increasing the world's store of knowledge.
Prof. C.S. Sargent, chief of forestry at Harvard University, was one of those who loved to visit Prof. Letterman and ramble with him through the woods and marvel at his collection of specimens. Harvard professorships twice were offered to Letterman, but he waved them aside as temptations. He preferred the vaulted arches of the Meramec woods to the man-made halls of learning.
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Obituary
St. Louis County Watchman-Advocate
Friday, May 30, 1913
GEO. W. LETTERMAN DIES AT ALLENTON
WAS FORMER SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN ST. LOUIS COUNTY
Lived Quiet Life in Woods and Was Regarded as One of the Best Posted Botanists in the Entire Country – Funeral This Afternoon
Prof. George W. Letterman, 72 years old, a former superintendent of schools of St. Louis County, and teacher of the Allenton public school for twenty-three consecutive years, died Wednesday afternoon at 5 o'clock, after a lingering illness. Prof. Letterman was a man of pronounced literary tastes and was also a national figure among botanist. A treasured herbarium is said to contain many rare specimens, constituting one of the most valuable collections in the world.
Many men and women who have attained responsible positions in life will dry a tear in memory of their old teacher, whose kindness and patience endeared him to all.
Prof. Letterman occupied a small cottage at Allenton and lived an unostentatious life. His interest in ferns and flowers was proverbial among his neighbors and friends, and he spent weeks, months and years catching moths and insects, or in selecting rare botanical specimens and watching carefully the growth of plants.
"I am ill and really in need. I never was married and live alone. My neighbors are extremely kind," wrote Mr. Letterman on a scrap of paper when he realized that death was near. He also penned a brief autobiography stating that he was born in Center County, Pa., in 1841; graduated from the Farmers' Agricultural College, now Pennsylvania State College, in 1863; had two brothers who are dead and one sister from whom he never heard after her marriage; and was a veteran of the Civil War.
Prof. Letterman treasured letters from Yale and other universities offering him positions as instructor in botany, but he preferred a quiet life in the Meramec Hills, about Allenton and Eureka.
Prof. Letterman was sick about three months. He was a valued contributor to the columns of the Watchman-Advocate, and in one of the last letters prepared for publication he asked that the news of his illness be kept out of the paper. He was given medical attention by Dr. G.M. Stelzlennia, of 1215 Grand avenue, a physician who was attracted to Prof. Letterman through the study of botany. At his bedside, when death ensued, were Miss Byrda Votaw, William Pfeiffer, Fred, Jacob and Robert Wengler, and Joseph Goode, a colored man, who was engaged to look after the comforts of the old man in his declining days.
The funeral was conducted this afternoon, the funeral oration being delivered by P.P. Lewis of Crescent, a life-long friend and admirer of Prof. Letterman, and the pallbearers were selected form among the hundreds of pupils who were present to pay a last tribute to the memory of a man who was universally beloved by all who knew him. The remains were interred in the Allen Cemetery, where a suitable marker will be placed at the grave of a man whose life was devoted to a principle, and whose personal influence has been and will remain in inspiration to all who knew him.
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Obituary
San Jose Evening News
San Jose, California
August 13, 1913
DID HE CHOOSE THE BETTER PART?
Letterman – George W. Letterman – is dead.
You did not known Letterman or know of him, perhaps?
If not the loss is yours, as the death of Letterman is the nation's loss.
Letterman belonged to the race of born naturalists. To him the starry beauty of an anemone in the grass was more than the glare of the electric light in the city wilderness. His mind perceived more beauty in the stately aisles of the forest trees than in the arches of a cathedral.
For seventy years Letterman studies and botanized in the Missouri woods and fields. As his knowledge of nature grew so grew his fame, until few men were more highly regarded by the botanists of the state and nation. Many famous scientists visited his little cabin and toured the woods with him. Rare plans were named for him.
Fame brought to Letterman no inflation of spirit the man who lives much with nature is never vain or conceited. He knows his own littleness. Letterman was a true member of the family of Agassiz and Audubon and Muir and Burroughs.
He did not seek the world.
The world sought him.
His wisdom in the ways of plants reached the seats of learning, where men and women study botany with books and microscopes as well as with the naked eyes. So some of the great universities asked Letterman to join their faculties, to become an instructor of the young.
Letterman preferred his haunts along the brooks to a stately club near the river of learning. He would not leave his woods
Did Letterman choose alright for himself?
Considering himself alone, probably he took the better … He may have felt himself unfitted for the life in the halls of the universities, although he was a man of education. Perhaps he feared the restraints of regular hours of teaching, when his soul would long for the great outdoors which he had made his home for so many years.
The world lost, no doubt, by his decision But possibly he gained.
Should he have sacrificed himself and given more freely of the stock of nature lore which was in him? Only he could answer the question, and he is dead.
He lived a good life. Whether he might have lived a better, more useful existence elsewhere than among his beloved grass and flowers and trees each reader must decide for himself.
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The Lettermans are enumerated on the 1850 federal census as residing in the Borough of Mill Hall, in Clinton County, Pennsylvania. As enumerated, the household consisted of: John Letterman, 31 years old; Charlotte Letterman, 30 years old; Benjamin F. Letterman, 10 years old; George W. Letterman, 8 years old; William H. Letterman, 5 years old; and Margaret Letterman, 3 years old. All are listed as being born in Pennsylvania. John was working as a laborer. All the children, except young Margaret, had attended school within the year. George received his early education in the public schools of Pennsylvania.
I have been unable to find the family on the 1860 census. However, at some point George left the home to attend the State College of Center County, Pennsylvania (also known at the Farmers Agricultural College, now Penn State). His studies there were interrupted by the war. Nevertheless, he graduated from the college in 1863.
George served in four different units during the war. His service took him from Pennsylvania, to Kentucky, Illinois, Kansas, and ultimately to New Mexico.
Lt. Col. Litzinger's Battalion, Infantry, Emergency, 1863
In 1863, George served as a Private in Lt. Col. Litzinger's Battalion of the Pennsylvania Infantry – one of the emergency militias organized for the protection of Pennsylvania against Lee's invasion in 1863. Robert Litzinger, from Blacklick Township in Cambria County, Pennsylvania, commanded the unit. The official army records refer to this unit as "Lt. Col. Litzinger's Battalion, Infantry, Emergency, 1863." It was also called "Litzinger's Infantry Battalion." There were about 400 men in this unit; many of whom were from the Blacklick Township area. Blacklick Township is about 70-80 miles from State College, Pennsylvania. The Litzinger unit mustered into duty on June 23, 1863 and mustered out at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, on August 8, 1863. The unit then disbanded. The unit served on the fringes of the Gettysburg campaign.
121st Regiment, United States Colored Infantry
George next served as a 1st Lieutenant in Company A of the 121st U.S. Colored Infantry. On July 25, 1864, President Lincoln appointed George, then in civil life, to serve as a 1st Lieutenant in the 121st U.S. Colored Infantry. George joined for duty and enrolled on August 15, 1864, at Lexington, Kentucky. On August 18, 1864, by order from the headquarters of the U.S. Colored Troops at Camp Nelson, Kentucky, George was ordered on temporary duty to Lt. Col. Sand, commanding the 116th U.S.C.I. The 121st U.S. Colored Infantry was formally organized at Maysville, Kentucky, on October 8, 1864. George was assigned to duty with his company in the 121st – Company A – on October 10, 1864. He mustered into service in Company A on October 24, 1864, at Camp Nelson, Kentucky. He was 23 years old at the time.
The men of the 121st U.S.C.I. performed garrison and guard duty at various points in the Military District and Department of Kentucky until June 1865. George appears as present on company muster rolls from the organization of the unit in October 1864, until December 1864. He also appears as present on company muster rolls for the months of January, February, March, and April of 1865.
The 121st U.S.C.I consolidated with the 13th U.S. U.S. Colored Heavy Artillery in July of 1865. The War Department reassigned George to Company G of the 13th U.S.C.H.A. George mustered out of the 121st on July 7, 1865, and on the next day, July 8, 1865, he joined, enrolled, and mustered into service as a 1st Lieutenant in Company G of the 13th U.S.C.H.A.
13th Regiment, United States Colored Heavy Artillery
As noted, the 121st U.S. Colored Infantry consolidated with the 13th U.S. Colored Heavy Artillery in July of 1865. George mustered out of the 121st U.S.C.I. on July 7, 1865, and was reappointed to the 13th U.S.C.H.A. as a First Lieutenant. He officially joined for duty and enrolled in the 13th U.S.C.H.A. on July 8, 1865, at Louisville, Kentucky, for a period of three years. He mustered into service on that same date. In all, George served as 1st Lt. of Company G, 13th U.S. Colored Heavy Artillery from July 8 to November 18, 1865, when the regiment mustered out of service.
The 13th U.S. Colored Heavy Artillery was organized at Camp Nelson, Kentucky on June 23, 1864. The unit served garrison duty at Camp Nelson, Smithland, Lexington, and other points in Kentucky.
George served in Company G of the 13th U.S.C.H.A. – many of the men in that company mustered in from Greenupsburg, Greenup County, Kentucky. George appears as present on the company muster rolls for July, August, and September 1865.
George, as well as the rest of the 13th U.S.C.H.A., mustered out of service on November 18, 1865, at Louisville, Kentucky. At the time he mustered out, George had yet to be paid for his service in the unit. Upon mustering out, George attested that to the best of his ability, he had returned all clothing, camp and garrison equipment, that had come into his possession, whether that government property had been captured from the enemy, invoiced to him, or otherwise had come into his possession informally. He also attested that he was not indebted to the United States on any account whatsoever. Col. Foster, of the 13th U.S.C.H.A., also attested that George had made all the required returns of all government property. The regimental quartermaster also attested that George was not indebted to him.
125th Regiment, United States Colored Infantry
On December 11, 1865, just several weeks after he mustered out of the 13th U.S.C.H.A., George was appointed from civilian life to be a First Lieutenant in the 125th U.S. Colored Infantry. He accepted the appointment on December 23, 1865, and joined for duty and enrolled on December 27, 1865, at Camp Chase, Ohio. He mustered into service same date, December 27, 1865. He was 25 years old. Rather than a specific term of duty, George served at the pleasure of the President. George was initially assigned to Company K, on a temporary basis. He served with that company at Camp Chase, Ohio, until January 1, 1866, when he left for Cairo, Illinois. He reported for duty at Cairo on January 6, 1866, and was assigned to Company A of the 121st U.S.C.I on January 23, 1866. George appears as present on the muster roll for Company A for the months of January, February, March, and April 1866. George was on duty at Cairo.
On April 8, 1866, at Cairo, Illinois, George requested to be relieved from duty with Company A of the 125th U.S.C.I and assigned to duty with some other company. George believed the change would be both pleasant to himself and agreeable his present commanding officer. On April 12, 1866, George was commissioned as Captain in the 125th U.S.C.I. On that same date, George left with the regiment for Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas. He was relieved from duty in Company A on May 1, 1866, and assigned to command of Company K of the 125th U.S.C.I. on that same date. He was on duty with Company K across the plains to Fort Union, New Mexico, where he arrived on July 1, 1866.
George accepted the appointment as Captain, and therefore mustered out as 1st Lt. of Company K of the 125th U.S.C.I. on June 30, 1866, at Santa Fe, New Mexico. But due to some apparent oversight, George was not formally mustered back in as Captain of Company K until January 10, 1867. He nevertheless assumed command of the company, and his service as Captain was ultimately dated retroactively to July 1, 1866.
On July 8, 1866, a week after arriving at Ft. Union, George left the fort for Fort McRea, New Mexico, arriving there on August 4, 1866. He remained in command of Company K, and was appointed post treasurer on September 9, 1866. On September 24, 1866, he was relieved from duty at Fort McRea and ordered to Fort Bascom, New Mexico. On September 27, 1866, George was wounded in the left hand by the accidental discharge of a pistol. George left Fort McRea, and in a letter dated November 2, 1866, directed to 1st Lt. & Adjt Wheeler of the 125th U.S.C.I., he reported that he had arrived safely with his company at Fort Bascom on October 31st. Fort Bascom was established in 1863, on the south bank of the Canadian River in eastern New Mexico, slightly west of the Texas border, near present-day Tucumcari.
The fort was one of a series of forts established to help guard the eastern frontier of New Mexico. It helped control the Kiowa, Comanche, and other tribes inhabiting the Red and Canadian River region; watched over the Goodnight-Loving Cattle Trail, as well as the Santa Fe Trail; and policed the activities of the "Comancheros," American and Mexican renegades who traded illegally with the Indians. The fort was abandoned in 1870. The fort consisted of a sandstone officers' quarters and a few adobe buildings. Over the years, the buildings fell into disrepair. Nothing is left of the fort today.
George remained on duty at Ft. Bascom from the fall of 1866 until October of 1867. He served as A.A.Q.M. and A.C.S. at the fort, pursuant to an order dated November 14, 1866. He served in the positions from December 1, 1866 until March 2, 1867, and remained in command of Company K. George was relieved from duty as A.A.Q.M. and A.C..S on March 2, 1867, and assigned to command of Ft. Bascom. He assumed command on March 4, 1867. George appears as present on the muster roll for Company K, as commanding both Company K and the post, for the months of March through October, 1867. On October 20, 1867, George was relieved from duty at Ft. Bascom, and ordered to report to Col. Gerhart, Commanding Regiment at Ft. Union. George arrived at Ft. Union on November 5, 1867. Two days later, on November 7, 1867, he was relieved from duty and ordered to proceed to Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas, for muster out. George arrived at Ft. Leavenworth on December 14, 1867. He mustered out on December 20, 1867.
George applied for an invalid pension in May of 1913. He died, however, before completing the application process.
George's brother William also served, as a Private in Company E of the 49th Pennsylvania Infantry. He enlisted on October 24, 1861, and died while serving, on September 11, 1862. The obituaries for George state that his brother Benjamin also served, but thus far I have been unable to document his service.
Move to Missouri
After George mustered out at the end of the war, he wandered around the country for a few years. He returned to Pennsylvania for a time, and then went west again to Kansas, with the idea of becoming a farmer there. He finally settled in Allenton, Missouri, in 1869.
George settled in Allenton in 1869. Soon thereafter he became a teacher in the Allenton public school, a position he held for twenty-three years. He also served three terms as School Commissioner for St. Louis County. And, he became a well-known and respected botanist, known the world over.
George never married and had no children. He never spoke of his family or of his early life.
What is known has been gained through research, and a note George penned on his deathbed, listing his birthplace and family information.
George lived a very "modest," "isolated," "unostentatious life." He lived alone in a one-room cabin, which he rented, and only used at night. The cabin – or sometimes described as a cottage – was furnished with a stove, table and bed. George spent most of his time in the woods, in search of rare plants, flowers, and trees, studying the flora of the area, and trapping insects. He diligently studied the flora of the state, especially that of St. Louis County. His cabin became a storehouse for his botanical specimens.
It is said that George belonged to no church or society, and that he never went to places of entertainment. And it was not known if he even visited his neighbors.
George was regarded by his fellow townsmen as being an "eccentric recluse." And while George had a "retiring nature," and lived somewhat the life of a hermit, he was nonetheless a well-respected and loved citizen of Allenton. He had a jovial disposition and always had a pleasant word for everybody. His kindness and patience endeared him to all. People went to him to ask his advice and to have important papers written in his beautiful penmanship. And the Allenton school attracted pupils from far and wide because of Professor Letterman.
George was close friends with Dr. Engelmann and Prof. Gustav Hamback, both from Washington University. His most intimate friend was Joe Goode, an "old black man" who lived nearby in Allenton. Joe was born sometime in the 1850s. He is enumerated on the 1880 census as boarding in the home of Jane Billips, in Allenton. He was 23 years old, and listed as being born in Missouri, with parents born in Virginia. He was single, and working as a laborer. Joseph is enumerated on the 1900 federal census as residing in Meramec Township. He was renting his own place, and is listed on the census record just above George. Joseph was single, 42 years old, and listed as being born in Missouri in October of 1857. He is again listed as having parents who were born in Virginia. He was working as a barber. Joseph is enumerated on the 1910 census as residing on the Allenton-Pacific Road, in Meramec Township. He was 53 years old, and listed as being born in Missouri, with a father born in Virginia and a mother born in Missouri. He was working as a laborer at odd jobs. Joe died from pneumonia on March 5, 1930, at the People's Hospital in St. Louis. He is buried at Father Dickson Cemetery, in Crestwood.
George is enumerated on the 1870 federal census as residing in Meramec Township of St. Louis County. As so enumerated, George is listed as George W. Letterman, 28 years old, born in Pennsylvania. He was working in a school teacher, and residing in the home of Jane Williams, 47 years old, born in Ohio. A Maria Clark, school mistress, was also residing in the home.
George is enumerated on the 1880 census as residing in Allenton. As so enumerated, George is listed as George W. Letterman, 37 years old, born in Pennsylvania, parents born in Pennsylvania. He was teaching school, and living in the home of John and Martha Demire.
George was a noted botanist, but he was equally known for being a teacher in Allenton. He taught in the Allenton School for 20-23 years, and did much to advance education in the area. He loved children, and in turn was much beloved by his students. His fame spread far and wide, and several children were sent to school in Allenton from adjoining townships.
"Every morning Mr. Letterman stopped at the railroad station and picked up the daily paper from St. Louis." He had a large map of the world hanging in his school room, and as he read the news to his pupils they located the places on the map where the events took place.
George shared his love of botany with his students. He had his students bring in plants, and time was allotted to their study and examination. And on Saturdays, on his own free time, he took his students on nature hikes through the woods and they explored caves.
In January of 1885, the St. Louis County Court, by request of the Republican Central Committee, appointed George as School Commissioner of St. Louis County. George accepted the position and set about to carry out the duties of the office. George's appointment was just that – an appointment. The position was an elected position. Shortly after his appointment, many in Allenton, and the county as a whole, called for him to run for office at the next school election, to be held in April. Support for George seemed universal. Even potential opponents supported George. And the county newspaper touted George's ability. George heeded the calls, and ran for the office. The St. Louis County Watchman continued their support of Letterman's candidacy. And opponents withdrew from the race. George was unanimously elected. He served for three terms. George's responsibilities as school commissioner included examining individuals for teaching positions in the county. He also directed administrative details. George also handled disputes from, and between, the districts. For instance, in May of 1890, several school districts wished to "capture" property belonging to other and adjoining districts. The Manchester District wished to absorb a portion of several districts whose territory was contiguous. The Old Orchard District, which was experiencing a growth in population, and had saddled itself with $10,000 in debt to build a new school house. The district wished to encroach upon the territory of its big neighbor, Webster Groves, to acquire about 100 acres. The voters of Old Orchard voted for the proposition; the voters of Webster Groves did not. These disputes found their way to George – who did not allow either action. George also judged various spelling and writing contests. And in September of 1888, he was in charge of the educational department of the St. Louis County Fair, and he requested that all teachers in the county declare a holiday, so that their pupils could attend the Fair. The directors of the Fair Association announced free admission to all teachers and school children of the county. A singing contest was held, as well as a written spelling match. George acted as one of the judges at the spelling contest. Almira Wengler, of Clayton, was declared the winner. Almira was the daughter of veteran William C. Wengler.
In January of 1890, George chaired a meeting of 150 teachers from the county, for the purpose of organizing a teachers' institute. A constitution was adopted and signed by many of the teachers present, including George. The organization took hold. An article from April 1892 noted that the St. Louis County Teachers' Institute was holding its eighth quarterly meeting. George, still the county superintendent, chaired the meeting, held in Kirkwood. Ninety of the 130 teachers of the county attended. Many papers were read, and addresses heard. A hot-button topic of the meeting appeared to be the use of corporal punishment in the schools, which a majority of those present opposed.
In addition to promoting professionalism among his teachers, it appears George may have also attended national conventions – or at least kept up with national happenings. In July of 1886, the Watchman thanked George for a copy of the Topeka (Kan.) Daily Capital, containing a report of the annual meeting of the National Educational Association.
The schools in St. Louis County flourished under George.
Shortly after arriving in Allenton, George met Mr. August Fendler, a well-known botanist who had a farm in the neighborhood. Mr. Fendler sparked George's interest in botany, especially in trees. From 1870 to just a few months before his death – a span of forty years – George had an active interest in science. As noted, he spent his time in the woods, studying and collecting the flora and fauna of the Missouri countryside. His interest in ferns and flowers was proverbial among his neighbors and friends. He spent "weeks, months, years" collecting rare botanical specimens. George was known as a "keen and discriminating collector, particularly of Missouri plants…." He became known to scientist the world over as one of America's greatest botanist.
George's cabin was a storehouse for his botanical specimens. At his death, it was noted that his herbarium (dried, pressed plant collection), consisted of 10,000 species, that it contained many rare specimens, and was one of the most valuable collections in the world. Although George experienced dire/needy circumstances, and even though his botanical specimens were of priceless value to science, he never thought of turning any of his treasures into money. Rather, it was his dream to leave his specimens as a precious heritage to some Missouri institution of learning. His collection is housed at the Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis.
Many distinguished American and European scientists made pilgrimages to Prof. Letterman's little cabin at Allenton and made excursions with him through his beloved woods along the Meramec River." Professor Charles Sprague Sargent, Professor of Arboriculture at Harvard, was one of those who loved to visit Prof. Letterman and ramble with him through the woods and marvel at his collection of specimens. Professor Sargent was special agent of the Tenth U.S. Federal Census – in particular, he was superintendent of the tree census. George, in turn, was appointed a special agent of the United States Census Department, to collect information about the trees and forest of Missouri, Arkansas, western Louisiana, and eastern Texas. The distribution of the trees of the region was little known before George's travels. The Census Office of the U.S. Department of the Interior released Professor Sargent's report on the forest of North America – including the information George had gathered – in 1884. George provided a copy of the report to the St. Louis County Watchman in 1885. And in January 1889, he presented 16 maps and a copy of the report to the St. Louis Academy of Science. Professor Sargent's works was said "to excel anything of its kind ever before published."
Through Professor Sargent, George also became a collaborator in the preparation of the noted Jesup collection of North American Woods, at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. He was employed as an agent of the museum, to collect specimens of the trees of the same region for the collection.
George traveled extensively throughout the United States. In addition to his travels for the 1880 tree census, George traveled to, and collected specimens from 1880 to 1891 in the following states from 1880 to 1891: Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Texas, and Wyoming.
In 1878, George attended the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia. He reported his botanical research findings to the Smithsonian Archives in Washington, D.C., and corresponded with botanists in the U.S. Department of Agriculture from 881 to 1883.
George took at least two trips west, during the summers of 1885 and 1886. George traveled to the Yellowstone region in July and August of 1885. During this same trip, George visited the Fossil Butte National Monument, in Wyoming, and was the first trained botanist to do so. He made a series of collections, which are deposited at the Gray Herbarium and the U.S. National Herbarium.
George returned to the west again, a year later, when he in July of 1886 he traveled to Colorado and for six weeks toured the Rocky Mountains.
Through Fendler, George met Dr. George Engelmann, a German-born botanist and physician associated with Washington University, for whom George made large collections of plants in the neighborhood of Allenton, with many notes on the Oaks and Hickories. Dr. Engelmann helped found what is now the Missouri Botanical Gardens, and became one of George's closest friends. George was one of the founders of the Engelmann Botanical Club in St. Louis. To the delight of members, George would arrive from Allenton, loaded down with specimens of plans of the most rare and interesting kinds, and his explanations of his personal observations on those plants was "a treat worthwhile and not easily forgotten."
Though widely known and respected, George had no desire to achieve a reputation through publication. Instead, his greatest pleasure was imparting information to his pupils. Numerous universities, including Yale and Harvard (twice), offered George positions as an instructor in botany. George treasured those offers, but turned them down. George preferred a quiet life among the Meramec hills about Allenton and Eureka. As often stated, George preferred "the vaulted arches of the Meramec woods to the man-made halls of learning."
George discovered many rare plants, which were then named after him. In botanical terminology, many species are known as "Letterman." Some of the genera containing species named for him are Vernonia, Poa, Stipa, and Crataegus. This insured undying fame for the hermit scientist. It was all the reward he asked for the efforts of a lifetime devoted to increasing the world's store of knowledge.
George had a fondness for animals, as well. In May of 1896, the Pacific paper reported that George had succeeded in "trapping an opossum with fifteen young ones some time ago, and they have become tame.
It was said that George belonged to no church or society, and that he never went to places of entertainment. And it was not known if he even visited his neighbors. Though described as a recluse, I have found several instances of George out and about in town, involved in the community and a variety of causes.
In April of 1888, George was elected as member of the St Louis County Farmer's League, as was fellow Allenton resident William C. Wengler. Robert C. Allen was elected president for the year. In April of 1890, the farmers of the county once again organized against robbers. In an answer to the call of the Sheriff of St. Louis County, about 100 delegates chosen by the school districts, gathered at Clayton for the purpose of organizing an association whose main purpose was to be the suppression of stealing in the county. The farmers had become "thoroughly aroused in view of the inability of the Sheriff to prevent the carrying off of their property." George served as secretary of the meeting, and was one of the committee that selected officers for the organization. The committee selected him to serve as secretary of the organization as well. Those gathered approved the selection. The group adopted a series of resolutions, and "all present showed their enthusiasm and determination to break up the gang of thieves that [had] been preying upon them."
In June of 1889, George contributed $5 to the Johnstown fund, being raised for the benefit of the sufferers from the flood in the Conemaugh Valley, Pennsylvania
George attended the fifth annual fair of the St. Louis County Agricultural and Mechanical Association, held at Jacob Studt's Park, Upper Creve Coeur Lake, in September of 1891. George may have been a member of the association – such is implied in the article.
In June of 1895, George went to St. Louis on business. He traveled to St. Louis again in July of 1897.
George served on several juries. He served as a juryman at Clayton in February of 1896. And in October he served on the grand jury at the October term of the St. Louis County Circuit Court. And in June of 1906, it was noted that "Prof. Letterman had a surcease from jury work, but was called back last week." In March of 1906, the Pacific paper noted that George was absent from Allenton on jury duty, and thus there was "nothing doing" in Allenton.
George is enumerated on the 1900 federal census as residing in Meramec Township. As so enumerated, George is listed as George Letterman, 59 years old, born May 1842 in Pennsylvania, parents born in Pennsylvania. He was listed as head of household, renting his home. He was single, and listed as being an ex school teacher.
George, along with F.F. Eronim, Henry Guibor, Dr. Eatherton and B. Gudermuth, were elected delegates to the good roads convention, held at Clayton in September of 1906.
In politics, George was a Republican. The Republican Club of Allenton met at the Allenton school house in 1896. George was an active officer of the club. He was also active on the county-wide level. He was on the committee of resolutions, at the April 1896 meeting of the St. Louis County Republicans. He was also elected at that meeting to be a delegate to the upcoming state convention at St. Joseph, Missouri. As an aside, the National Convention of the Republican Party was held in downtown St. Louis in 1896. The Convention nominated Ohio Governor and Civil War veteran William McKinley for President of the United States. McKinley was elected later that year.
George is enumerated on the 1910 federal census as residing in Meramec Township. As so enumerated, George is listed as George W. Letterman, 68 years old, born in Pennsylvania, parents born in Pennsylvania. George was head of household, and working as a botanist for the U.S. He was single, able to read and write, and renting his home on the Allenton-Eureka road.
George died on May 28, 1913, at his home in Allenton. Several months before he had suffered a severe attack of "lagrippe," (Spanish flu) from which he never recovered. Town stories hold that he died from eating poisonous mushrooms. George had been sick about three months prior to his death. Dr. G.M. Stelzlennia, a physician from Grand Avenue in St. Louis who was attracted to George through the study of botany, attended George during George's last illness. Though frequently a contributor to the Watchman-Advocate, George asked that news of his illness be kept out of the paper.
Reports conflict as to who was at George's bedside when he died. Some reports say Joe Goode was the only one, and that he held George's hand when George passed away. The obituary in the Watchman-Advocate, however, stated that Miss Byrda Votaw, William Pfeiffer, Fred, Jacob and Robert Wengler, and Joseph Goode were all at his bedside. Either way, George was well-tended to in his final days. George's good friend, Joe Goode, had looked after George's every want and need when George fell ill. And in the final days, neighbors pitched in, staying up all night with George.
A funeral for George was held at the Methodist Church on May 30th, with the Rev. P.P. Lewis presiding. Rev. Lewis was a life-long friend and admirer of George. Several of George's former pupils served as pallbearers.
George was buried in the Allen Cemetery, where it is said his grave was blanketed with flowers.
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Obituary
St. Louis Globe-Democrat
Thursday, May 29, 1913
RECLUSE, FAMES AS BOTANIST, IS DEAD
Prof. Letterman, Authority on Herbs, Was Mystery to Neighbors
NEGROE HIS CONFIDANT
Scientist, 72, Tells History for First Time in Farewell Note
George W. Letterman, 72 years old, an eccentric recluse known nationally as a botanist, died at his home at Allenton, St. Louis County, at 5 o'clock yesterday afternoon. Joe Goode, a negro, who had attended him out of kindness during his last illness, was the only person present when he died. Prof. Letterman had taught the Allenton School for twenty-three consecutive years, but all that his neighbors knew of his history was furnished on a slip of paper written with a lead pencil a few moments before the end came. It was known he was a national figure among botanists, and possessed a herbarium which is said to be one of the rarest in the world but he never mentioned his family relations. On the paper was written:
"I am now ill and really in need. I never was married and live alone. My neighbors are extremely kind."
Then followed a short history of his life in which he stated he was born in Centre County, Pa., in 1841, was a graduate of the Farmers Agricultural College, now the Pennsylvania State University, in 1863, had two brothers who are dead, and one sister from whom he has never heard since her marriage. He had forgotten her husband's name. Prof. and his two brothers were in the Civil War.
Lived in One-Room Cottage
His life in Allenton was spent in a one-room cottage, which he rented and used only at night. During the day he was in the woods trapping moths and insects, or watching the growth of plants.
When he became ill several weeks ago his most intimate friend, Joe Goode, who is about his own age, cared for him. Later when he became weaker, neighbors took turns in remaining all night.
He had shown letters from Yale and other universities, offering him positions as instructor in botany, but he preferred life among the Meramec hills about Allenton and Eureka. In the Popular Science Monthly several years ago, an extended article was printed, giving the discoveries and some of the eccentricities of Prof. Letterman. His neighbors will give him a funeral.
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Obituary
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Thursday, May 29, 1913
PROF. LETTERMAN, NOTED BOTANIST, DIES IN POVERTY
Attended Only by Negro in One-Room Cabin, Hermit Succumbs at Allenton
TELLS PAST AS LAST ACT
Writes He Never Was Married – Noted Scientist Visited Him in County Woods
George W. Letterman, regarded by his fellow townsmen as an eccentric recluse, but known to scientist the world over as one of America's greatest botanist, died in poverty and attended only by a negro neighbor in his little cabin at Allenton, 30 miles west of St. Louis, Wednesday afternoon.
Letterman had lived in Allenton 30 years, and for 20 years he was a teacher in the public school there. He was a bachelor, 72 years old.
Throughout his long stay in Allenton he had lived alone in his little one-room cabin, spending most of his time in the woods in search of rare plants, flowers, and trees.
Writes He Never Married
In Allenton there had been much speculation as to Prof. Letterman's past, and as to whether or not family troubles had caused him to choose the life of a recluse and woodsman.
His last act was to set all these questions at rest by writing a short statement, which he completed only a few minutes before he died. It read:
"I am now ill and really in need. I never was married, and live alone. My neighbors are extremely kind."
Added to this was a short history of his life, which said that he was born in Pennsylvania, and was a graduate of the Farmers' Agricultural College, now the Pennsylvania State University. He had two brothers, now dead, and a married sister, whose whereabouts he did not know.
The little cabin in which Prof. Letterman died was a storehouse for botanical specimens of priceless value to science, but even in direct extremity of need he never had thought of turning any of his treasures into money.
It had been the dream of his life to leave his specimens as a precious heritage to some Missouri institution of learning. Among his closest friends were the late Dr. Engelmann of Washington University and Prof. Gustav Hamback, who for many years occupied the Washington University chair of geology.
Many distinguished American and European scientists made pilgrimages to Prof. Letterman's little cabin at Allenton and made excursions with him through his beloved woods along the Meramec.
Waved Aside Professorships
Many rare plants which he discovered were named after him and in botanical terminology many species are known as "Letterman." This insures undying fame for the hermit scientist. It was all the reward he asked for the efforts of a lifetime devoted to increasing the world's store of knowledge.
Prof. C.S. Sargent, chief of forestry at Harvard University, was one of those who loved to visit Prof. Letterman and ramble with him through the woods and marvel at his collection of specimens. Harvard professorships twice were offered to Letterman, but he waved them aside as temptations. He preferred the vaulted arches of the Meramec woods to the man-made halls of learning.
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Obituary
St. Louis County Watchman-Advocate
Friday, May 30, 1913
GEO. W. LETTERMAN DIES AT ALLENTON
WAS FORMER SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN ST. LOUIS COUNTY
Lived Quiet Life in Woods and Was Regarded as One of the Best Posted Botanists in the Entire Country – Funeral This Afternoon
Prof. George W. Letterman, 72 years old, a former superintendent of schools of St. Louis County, and teacher of the Allenton public school for twenty-three consecutive years, died Wednesday afternoon at 5 o'clock, after a lingering illness. Prof. Letterman was a man of pronounced literary tastes and was also a national figure among botanist. A treasured herbarium is said to contain many rare specimens, constituting one of the most valuable collections in the world.
Many men and women who have attained responsible positions in life will dry a tear in memory of their old teacher, whose kindness and patience endeared him to all.
Prof. Letterman occupied a small cottage at Allenton and lived an unostentatious life. His interest in ferns and flowers was proverbial among his neighbors and friends, and he spent weeks, months and years catching moths and insects, or in selecting rare botanical specimens and watching carefully the growth of plants.
"I am ill and really in need. I never was married and live alone. My neighbors are extremely kind," wrote Mr. Letterman on a scrap of paper when he realized that death was near. He also penned a brief autobiography stating that he was born in Center County, Pa., in 1841; graduated from the Farmers' Agricultural College, now Pennsylvania State College, in 1863; had two brothers who are dead and one sister from whom he never heard after her marriage; and was a veteran of the Civil War.
Prof. Letterman treasured letters from Yale and other universities offering him positions as instructor in botany, but he preferred a quiet life in the Meramec Hills, about Allenton and Eureka.
Prof. Letterman was sick about three months. He was a valued contributor to the columns of the Watchman-Advocate, and in one of the last letters prepared for publication he asked that the news of his illness be kept out of the paper. He was given medical attention by Dr. G.M. Stelzlennia, of 1215 Grand avenue, a physician who was attracted to Prof. Letterman through the study of botany. At his bedside, when death ensued, were Miss Byrda Votaw, William Pfeiffer, Fred, Jacob and Robert Wengler, and Joseph Goode, a colored man, who was engaged to look after the comforts of the old man in his declining days.
The funeral was conducted this afternoon, the funeral oration being delivered by P.P. Lewis of Crescent, a life-long friend and admirer of Prof. Letterman, and the pallbearers were selected form among the hundreds of pupils who were present to pay a last tribute to the memory of a man who was universally beloved by all who knew him. The remains were interred in the Allen Cemetery, where a suitable marker will be placed at the grave of a man whose life was devoted to a principle, and whose personal influence has been and will remain in inspiration to all who knew him.
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Obituary
San Jose Evening News
San Jose, California
August 13, 1913
DID HE CHOOSE THE BETTER PART?
Letterman – George W. Letterman – is dead.
You did not known Letterman or know of him, perhaps?
If not the loss is yours, as the death of Letterman is the nation's loss.
Letterman belonged to the race of born naturalists. To him the starry beauty of an anemone in the grass was more than the glare of the electric light in the city wilderness. His mind perceived more beauty in the stately aisles of the forest trees than in the arches of a cathedral.
For seventy years Letterman studies and botanized in the Missouri woods and fields. As his knowledge of nature grew so grew his fame, until few men were more highly regarded by the botanists of the state and nation. Many famous scientists visited his little cabin and toured the woods with him. Rare plans were named for him.
Fame brought to Letterman no inflation of spirit the man who lives much with nature is never vain or conceited. He knows his own littleness. Letterman was a true member of the family of Agassiz and Audubon and Muir and Burroughs.
He did not seek the world.
The world sought him.
His wisdom in the ways of plants reached the seats of learning, where men and women study botany with books and microscopes as well as with the naked eyes. So some of the great universities asked Letterman to join their faculties, to become an instructor of the young.
Letterman preferred his haunts along the brooks to a stately club near the river of learning. He would not leave his woods
Did Letterman choose alright for himself?
Considering himself alone, probably he took the better … He may have felt himself unfitted for the life in the halls of the universities, although he was a man of education. Perhaps he feared the restraints of regular hours of teaching, when his soul would long for the great outdoors which he had made his home for so many years.
The world lost, no doubt, by his decision But possibly he gained.
Should he have sacrificed himself and given more freely of the stock of nature lore which was in him? Only he could answer the question, and he is dead.
He lived a good life. Whether he might have lived a better, more useful existence elsewhere than among his beloved grass and flowers and trees each reader must decide for himself.
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George Washington Letterman was a noted botanist, a well-loved educator and Commissioner of Public Schools for St. Louis County. George was one five children – three boys and two girls – born to John Letterman and Charlotte Blair Letterman. He was born in May of 1841, near Bellefonte, in Centre County, Pennsylvania, to a family which had lived for three generations in Pennsylvania. George's father, John, was of Dutch descent; his mother Charlotte was of Irish descent.
The Lettermans are enumerated on the 1850 federal census as residing in the Borough of Mill Hall, in Clinton County, Pennsylvania. As enumerated, the household consisted of: John Letterman, 31 years old; Charlotte Letterman, 30 years old; Benjamin F. Letterman, 10 years old; George W. Letterman, 8 years old; William H. Letterman, 5 years old; and Margaret Letterman, 3 years old. All are listed as being born in Pennsylvania. John was working as a laborer. All the children, except young Margaret, had attended school within the year. George received his early education in the public schools of Pennsylvania.
I have been unable to find the family on the 1860 census. However, at some point George left the home to attend the State College of Center County, Pennsylvania (also known at the Farmers Agricultural College, now Penn State). His studies there were interrupted by the war. Nevertheless, he graduated from the college in 1863.
George served in four different units during the war. His service took him from Pennsylvania, to Kentucky, Illinois, Kansas, and ultimately to New Mexico.
Lt. Col. Litzinger's Battalion, Infantry, Emergency, 1863
In 1863, George served as a Private in Lt. Col. Litzinger's Battalion of the Pennsylvania Infantry – one of the emergency militias organized for the protection of Pennsylvania against Lee's invasion in 1863. Robert Litzinger, from Blacklick Township in Cambria County, Pennsylvania, commanded the unit. The official army records refer to this unit as "Lt. Col. Litzinger's Battalion, Infantry, Emergency, 1863." It was also called "Litzinger's Infantry Battalion." There were about 400 men in this unit; many of whom were from the Blacklick Township area. Blacklick Township is about 70-80 miles from State College, Pennsylvania. The Litzinger unit mustered into duty on June 23, 1863 and mustered out at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, on August 8, 1863. The unit then disbanded. The unit served on the fringes of the Gettysburg campaign.
121st Regiment, United States Colored Infantry
George next served as a 1st Lieutenant in Company A of the 121st U.S. Colored Infantry. On July 25, 1864, President Lincoln appointed George, then in civil life, to serve as a 1st Lieutenant in the 121st U.S. Colored Infantry. George joined for duty and enrolled on August 15, 1864, at Lexington, Kentucky. On August 18, 1864, by order from the headquarters of the U.S. Colored Troops at Camp Nelson, Kentucky, George was ordered on temporary duty to Lt. Col. Sand, commanding the 116th U.S.C.I. The 121st U.S. Colored Infantry was formally organized at Maysville, Kentucky, on October 8, 1864. George was assigned to duty with his company in the 121st – Company A – on October 10, 1864. He mustered into service in Company A on October 24, 1864, at Camp Nelson, Kentucky. He was 23 years old at the time.
The men of the 121st U.S.C.I. performed garrison and guard duty at various points in the Military District and Department of Kentucky until June 1865. George appears as present on company muster rolls from the organization of the unit in October 1864, until December 1864. He also appears as present on company muster rolls for the months of January, February, March, and April of 1865.
The 121st U.S.C.I consolidated with the 13th U.S. U.S. Colored Heavy Artillery in July of 1865. The War Department reassigned George to Company G of the 13th U.S.C.H.A. George mustered out of the 121st on July 7, 1865, and on the next day, July 8, 1865, he joined, enrolled, and mustered into service as a 1st Lieutenant in Company G of the 13th U.S.C.H.A.
13th Regiment, United States Colored Heavy Artillery
As noted, the 121st U.S. Colored Infantry consolidated with the 13th U.S. Colored Heavy Artillery in July of 1865. George mustered out of the 121st U.S.C.I. on July 7, 1865, and was reappointed to the 13th U.S.C.H.A. as a First Lieutenant. He officially joined for duty and enrolled in the 13th U.S.C.H.A. on July 8, 1865, at Louisville, Kentucky, for a period of three years. He mustered into service on that same date. In all, George served as 1st Lt. of Company G, 13th U.S. Colored Heavy Artillery from July 8 to November 18, 1865, when the regiment mustered out of service.
The 13th U.S. Colored Heavy Artillery was organized at Camp Nelson, Kentucky on June 23, 1864. The unit served garrison duty at Camp Nelson, Smithland, Lexington, and other points in Kentucky.
George served in Company G of the 13th U.S.C.H.A. – many of the men in that company mustered in from Greenupsburg, Greenup County, Kentucky. George appears as present on the company muster rolls for July, August, and September 1865.
George, as well as the rest of the 13th U.S.C.H.A., mustered out of service on November 18, 1865, at Louisville, Kentucky. At the time he mustered out, George had yet to be paid for his service in the unit. Upon mustering out, George attested that to the best of his ability, he had returned all clothing, camp and garrison equipment, that had come into his possession, whether that government property had been captured from the enemy, invoiced to him, or otherwise had come into his possession informally. He also attested that he was not indebted to the United States on any account whatsoever. Col. Foster, of the 13th U.S.C.H.A., also attested that George had made all the required returns of all government property. The regimental quartermaster also attested that George was not indebted to him.
125th Regiment, United States Colored Infantry
On December 11, 1865, just several weeks after he mustered out of the 13th U.S.C.H.A., George was appointed from civilian life to be a First Lieutenant in the 125th U.S. Colored Infantry. He accepted the appointment on December 23, 1865, and joined for duty and enrolled on December 27, 1865, at Camp Chase, Ohio. He mustered into service same date, December 27, 1865. He was 25 years old. Rather than a specific term of duty, George served at the pleasure of the President. George was initially assigned to Company K, on a temporary basis. He served with that company at Camp Chase, Ohio, until January 1, 1866, when he left for Cairo, Illinois. He reported for duty at Cairo on January 6, 1866, and was assigned to Company A of the 121st U.S.C.I on January 23, 1866. George appears as present on the muster roll for Company A for the months of January, February, March, and April 1866. George was on duty at Cairo.
On April 8, 1866, at Cairo, Illinois, George requested to be relieved from duty with Company A of the 125th U.S.C.I and assigned to duty with some other company. George believed the change would be both pleasant to himself and agreeable his present commanding officer. On April 12, 1866, George was commissioned as Captain in the 125th U.S.C.I. On that same date, George left with the regiment for Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas. He was relieved from duty in Company A on May 1, 1866, and assigned to command of Company K of the 125th U.S.C.I. on that same date. He was on duty with Company K across the plains to Fort Union, New Mexico, where he arrived on July 1, 1866.
George accepted the appointment as Captain, and therefore mustered out as 1st Lt. of Company K of the 125th U.S.C.I. on June 30, 1866, at Santa Fe, New Mexico. But due to some apparent oversight, George was not formally mustered back in as Captain of Company K until January 10, 1867. He nevertheless assumed command of the company, and his service as Captain was ultimately dated retroactively to July 1, 1866.
On July 8, 1866, a week after arriving at Ft. Union, George left the fort for Fort McRea, New Mexico, arriving there on August 4, 1866. He remained in command of Company K, and was appointed post treasurer on September 9, 1866. On September 24, 1866, he was relieved from duty at Fort McRea and ordered to Fort Bascom, New Mexico. On September 27, 1866, George was wounded in the left hand by the accidental discharge of a pistol. George left Fort McRea, and in a letter dated November 2, 1866, directed to 1st Lt. & Adjt Wheeler of the 125th U.S.C.I., he reported that he had arrived safely with his company at Fort Bascom on October 31st. Fort Bascom was established in 1863, on the south bank of the Canadian River in eastern New Mexico, slightly west of the Texas border, near present-day Tucumcari.
The fort was one of a series of forts established to help guard the eastern frontier of New Mexico. It helped control the Kiowa, Comanche, and other tribes inhabiting the Red and Canadian River region; watched over the Goodnight-Loving Cattle Trail, as well as the Santa Fe Trail; and policed the activities of the "Comancheros," American and Mexican renegades who traded illegally with the Indians. The fort was abandoned in 1870. The fort consisted of a sandstone officers' quarters and a few adobe buildings. Over the years, the buildings fell into disrepair. Nothing is left of the fort today.
George remained on duty at Ft. Bascom from the fall of 1866 until October of 1867. He served as A.A.Q.M. and A.C.S. at the fort, pursuant to an order dated November 14, 1866. He served in the positions from December 1, 1866 until March 2, 1867, and remained in command of Company K. George was relieved from duty as A.A.Q.M. and A.C..S on March 2, 1867, and assigned to command of Ft. Bascom. He assumed command on March 4, 1867. George appears as present on the muster roll for Company K, as commanding both Company K and the post, for the months of March through October, 1867. On October 20, 1867, George was relieved from duty at Ft. Bascom, and ordered to report to Col. Gerhart, Commanding Regiment at Ft. Union. George arrived at Ft. Union on November 5, 1867. Two days later, on November 7, 1867, he was relieved from duty and ordered to proceed to Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas, for muster out. George arrived at Ft. Leavenworth on December 14, 1867. He mustered out on December 20, 1867.
George applied for an invalid pension in May of 1913. He died, however, before completing the application process.
George's brother William also served, as a Private in Company E of the 49th Pennsylvania Infantry. He enlisted on October 24, 1861, and died while serving, on September 11, 1862. The obituaries for George state that his brother Benjamin also served, but thus far I have been unable to document his service.
Move to Missouri
After George mustered out at the end of the war, he wandered around the country for a few years. He returned to Pennsylvania for a time, and then went west again to Kansas, with the idea of becoming a farmer there. He finally settled in Allenton, Missouri, in 1869.
George settled in Allenton in 1869. Soon thereafter he became a teacher in the Allenton public school, a position he held for twenty-three years. He also served three terms as School Commissioner for St. Louis County. And, he became a well-known and respected botanist, known the world over.
George never married and had no children. He never spoke of his family or of his early life.
What is known has been gained through research, and a note George penned on his deathbed, listing his birthplace and family information.
George lived a very "modest," "isolated," "unostentatious life." He lived alone in a one-room cabin, which he rented, and only used at night. The cabin – or sometimes described as a cottage – was furnished with a stove, table and bed. George spent most of his time in the woods, in search of rare plants, flowers, and trees, studying the flora of the area, and trapping insects. He diligently studied the flora of the state, especially that of St. Louis County. His cabin became a storehouse for his botanical specimens.
It is said that George belonged to no church or society, and that he never went to places of entertainment. And it was not known if he even visited his neighbors.
George was regarded by his fellow townsmen as being an "eccentric recluse." And while George had a "retiring nature," and lived somewhat the life of a hermit, he was nonetheless a well-respected and loved citizen of Allenton. He had a jovial disposition and always had a pleasant word for everybody. His kindness and patience endeared him to all. People went to him to ask his advice and to have important papers written in his beautiful penmanship. And the Allenton school attracted pupils from far and wide because of Professor Letterman.
George was close friends with Dr. Engelmann and Prof. Gustav Hamback, both from Washington University. His most intimate friend was Joe Goode, an "old black man" who lived nearby in Allenton. Joe was born sometime in the 1850s. He is enumerated on the 1880 census as boarding in the home of Jane Billips, in Allenton. He was 23 years old, and listed as being born in Missouri, with parents born in Virginia. He was single, and working as a laborer. Joseph is enumerated on the 1900 federal census as residing in Meramec Township. He was renting his own place, and is listed on the census record just above George. Joseph was single, 42 years old, and listed as being born in Missouri in October of 1857. He is again listed as having parents who were born in Virginia. He was working as a barber. Joseph is enumerated on the 1910 census as residing on the Allenton-Pacific Road, in Meramec Township. He was 53 years old, and listed as being born in Missouri, with a father born in Virginia and a mother born in Missouri. He was working as a laborer at odd jobs. Joe died from pneumonia on March 5, 1930, at the People's Hospital in St. Louis. He is buried at Father Dickson Cemetery, in Crestwood.
George is enumerated on the 1870 federal census as residing in Meramec Township of St. Louis County. As so enumerated, George is listed as George W. Letterman, 28 years old, born in Pennsylvania. He was working in a school teacher, and residing in the home of Jane Williams, 47 years old, born in Ohio. A Maria Clark, school mistress, was also residing in the home.
George is enumerated on the 1880 census as residing in Allenton. As so enumerated, George is listed as George W. Letterman, 37 years old, born in Pennsylvania, parents born in Pennsylvania. He was teaching school, and living in the home of John and Martha Demire.
George was a noted botanist, but he was equally known for being a teacher in Allenton. He taught in the Allenton School for 20-23 years, and did much to advance education in the area. He loved children, and in turn was much beloved by his students. His fame spread far and wide, and several children were sent to school in Allenton from adjoining townships.
"Every morning Mr. Letterman stopped at the railroad station and picked up the daily paper from St. Louis." He had a large map of the world hanging in his school room, and as he read the news to his pupils they located the places on the map where the events took place.
George shared his love of botany with his students. He had his students bring in plants, and time was allotted to their study and examination. And on Saturdays, on his own free time, he took his students on nature hikes through the woods and they explored caves.
In January of 1885, the St. Louis County Court, by request of the Republican Central Committee, appointed George as School Commissioner of St. Louis County. George accepted the position and set about to carry out the duties of the office. George's appointment was just that – an appointment. The position was an elected position. Shortly after his appointment, many in Allenton, and the county as a whole, called for him to run for office at the next school election, to be held in April. Support for George seemed universal. Even potential opponents supported George. And the county newspaper touted George's ability. George heeded the calls, and ran for the office. The St. Louis County Watchman continued their support of Letterman's candidacy. And opponents withdrew from the race. George was unanimously elected. He served for three terms. George's responsibilities as school commissioner included examining individuals for teaching positions in the county. He also directed administrative details. George also handled disputes from, and between, the districts. For instance, in May of 1890, several school districts wished to "capture" property belonging to other and adjoining districts. The Manchester District wished to absorb a portion of several districts whose territory was contiguous. The Old Orchard District, which was experiencing a growth in population, and had saddled itself with $10,000 in debt to build a new school house. The district wished to encroach upon the territory of its big neighbor, Webster Groves, to acquire about 100 acres. The voters of Old Orchard voted for the proposition; the voters of Webster Groves did not. These disputes found their way to George – who did not allow either action. George also judged various spelling and writing contests. And in September of 1888, he was in charge of the educational department of the St. Louis County Fair, and he requested that all teachers in the county declare a holiday, so that their pupils could attend the Fair. The directors of the Fair Association announced free admission to all teachers and school children of the county. A singing contest was held, as well as a written spelling match. George acted as one of the judges at the spelling contest. Almira Wengler, of Clayton, was declared the winner. Almira was the daughter of veteran William C. Wengler.
In January of 1890, George chaired a meeting of 150 teachers from the county, for the purpose of organizing a teachers' institute. A constitution was adopted and signed by many of the teachers present, including George. The organization took hold. An article from April 1892 noted that the St. Louis County Teachers' Institute was holding its eighth quarterly meeting. George, still the county superintendent, chaired the meeting, held in Kirkwood. Ninety of the 130 teachers of the county attended. Many papers were read, and addresses heard. A hot-button topic of the meeting appeared to be the use of corporal punishment in the schools, which a majority of those present opposed.
In addition to promoting professionalism among his teachers, it appears George may have also attended national conventions – or at least kept up with national happenings. In July of 1886, the Watchman thanked George for a copy of the Topeka (Kan.) Daily Capital, containing a report of the annual meeting of the National Educational Association.
The schools in St. Louis County flourished under George.
Shortly after arriving in Allenton, George met Mr. August Fendler, a well-known botanist who had a farm in the neighborhood. Mr. Fendler sparked George's interest in botany, especially in trees. From 1870 to just a few months before his death – a span of forty years – George had an active interest in science. As noted, he spent his time in the woods, studying and collecting the flora and fauna of the Missouri countryside. His interest in ferns and flowers was proverbial among his neighbors and friends. He spent "weeks, months, years" collecting rare botanical specimens. George was known as a "keen and discriminating collector, particularly of Missouri plants…." He became known to scientist the world over as one of America's greatest botanist.
George's cabin was a storehouse for his botanical specimens. At his death, it was noted that his herbarium (dried, pressed plant collection), consisted of 10,000 species, that it contained many rare specimens, and was one of the most valuable collections in the world. Although George experienced dire/needy circumstances, and even though his botanical specimens were of priceless value to science, he never thought of turning any of his treasures into money. Rather, it was his dream to leave his specimens as a precious heritage to some Missouri institution of learning. His collection is housed at the Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis.
Many distinguished American and European scientists made pilgrimages to Prof. Letterman's little cabin at Allenton and made excursions with him through his beloved woods along the Meramec River." Professor Charles Sprague Sargent, Professor of Arboriculture at Harvard, was one of those who loved to visit Prof. Letterman and ramble with him through the woods and marvel at his collection of specimens. Professor Sargent was special agent of the Tenth U.S. Federal Census – in particular, he was superintendent of the tree census. George, in turn, was appointed a special agent of the United States Census Department, to collect information about the trees and forest of Missouri, Arkansas, western Louisiana, and eastern Texas. The distribution of the trees of the region was little known before George's travels. The Census Office of the U.S. Department of the Interior released Professor Sargent's report on the forest of North America – including the information George had gathered – in 1884. George provided a copy of the report to the St. Louis County Watchman in 1885. And in January 1889, he presented 16 maps and a copy of the report to the St. Louis Academy of Science. Professor Sargent's works was said "to excel anything of its kind ever before published."
Through Professor Sargent, George also became a collaborator in the preparation of the noted Jesup collection of North American Woods, at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. He was employed as an agent of the museum, to collect specimens of the trees of the same region for the collection.
George traveled extensively throughout the United States. In addition to his travels for the 1880 tree census, George traveled to, and collected specimens from 1880 to 1891 in the following states from 1880 to 1891: Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Texas, and Wyoming.
In 1878, George attended the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia. He reported his botanical research findings to the Smithsonian Archives in Washington, D.C., and corresponded with botanists in the U.S. Department of Agriculture from 881 to 1883.
George took at least two trips west, during the summers of 1885 and 1886. George traveled to the Yellowstone region in July and August of 1885. During this same trip, George visited the Fossil Butte National Monument, in Wyoming, and was the first trained botanist to do so. He made a series of collections, which are deposited at the Gray Herbarium and the U.S. National Herbarium.
George returned to the west again, a year later, when he in July of 1886 he traveled to Colorado and for six weeks toured the Rocky Mountains.
Through Fendler, George met Dr. George Engelmann, a German-born botanist and physician associated with Washington University, for whom George made large collections of plants in the neighborhood of Allenton, with many notes on the Oaks and Hickories. Dr. Engelmann helped found what is now the Missouri Botanical Gardens, and became one of George's closest friends. George was one of the founders of the Engelmann Botanical Club in St. Louis. To the delight of members, George would arrive from Allenton, loaded down with specimens of plans of the most rare and interesting kinds, and his explanations of his personal observations on those plants was "a treat worthwhile and not easily forgotten."
Though widely known and respected, George had no desire to achieve a reputation through publication. Instead, his greatest pleasure was imparting information to his pupils. Numerous universities, including Yale and Harvard (twice), offered George positions as an instructor in botany. George treasured those offers, but turned them down. George preferred a quiet life among the Meramec hills about Allenton and Eureka. As often stated, George preferred "the vaulted arches of the Meramec woods to the man-made halls of learning."
George discovered many rare plants, which were then named after him. In botanical terminology, many species are known as "Letterman." Some of the genera containing species named for him are Vernonia, Poa, Stipa, and Crataegus. This insured undying fame for the hermit scientist. It was all the reward he asked for the efforts of a lifetime devoted to increasing the world's store of knowledge.
George had a fondness for animals, as well. In May of 1896, the Pacific paper reported that George had succeeded in "trapping an opossum with fifteen young ones some time ago, and they have become tame.
It was said that George belonged to no church or society, and that he never went to places of entertainment. And it was not known if he even visited his neighbors. Though described as a recluse, I have found several instances of George out and about in town, involved in the community and a variety of causes.
In April of 1888, George was elected as member of the St Louis County Farmer's League, as was fellow Allenton resident William C. Wengler. Robert C. Allen was elected president for the year. In April of 1890, the farmers of the county once again organized against robbers. In an answer to the call of the Sheriff of St. Louis County, about 100 delegates chosen by the school districts, gathered at Clayton for the purpose of organizing an association whose main purpose was to be the suppression of stealing in the county. The farmers had become "thoroughly aroused in view of the inability of the Sheriff to prevent the carrying off of their property." George served as secretary of the meeting, and was one of the committee that selected officers for the organization. The committee selected him to serve as secretary of the organization as well. Those gathered approved the selection. The group adopted a series of resolutions, and "all present showed their enthusiasm and determination to break up the gang of thieves that [had] been preying upon them."
In June of 1889, George contributed $5 to the Johnstown fund, being raised for the benefit of the sufferers from the flood in the Conemaugh Valley, Pennsylvania
George attended the fifth annual fair of the St. Louis County Agricultural and Mechanical Association, held at Jacob Studt's Park, Upper Creve Coeur Lake, in September of 1891. George may have been a member of the association – such is implied in the article.
In June of 1895, George went to St. Louis on business. He traveled to St. Louis again in July of 1897.
George served on several juries. He served as a juryman at Clayton in February of 1896. And in October he served on the grand jury at the October term of the St. Louis County Circuit Court. And in June of 1906, it was noted that "Prof. Letterman had a surcease from jury work, but was called back last week." In March of 1906, the Pacific paper noted that George was absent from Allenton on jury duty, and thus there was "nothing doing" in Allenton.
George is enumerated on the 1900 federal census as residing in Meramec Township. As so enumerated, George is listed as George Letterman, 59 years old, born May 1842 in Pennsylvania, parents born in Pennsylvania. He was listed as head of household, renting his home. He was single, and listed as being an ex school teacher.
George, along with F.F. Eronim, Henry Guibor, Dr. Eatherton and B. Gudermuth, were elected delegates to the good roads convention, held at Clayton in September of 1906.
In politics, George was a Republican. The Republican Club of Allenton met at the Allenton school house in 1896. George was an active officer of the club. He was also active on the county-wide level. He was on the committee of resolutions, at the April 1896 meeting of the St. Louis County Republicans. He was also elected at that meeting to be a delegate to the upcoming state convention at St. Joseph, Missouri. As an aside, the National Convention of the Republican Party was held in downtown St. Louis in 1896. The Convention nominated Ohio Governor and Civil War veteran William McKinley for President of the United States. McKinley was elected later that year.
George is enumerated on the 1910 federal census as residing in Meramec Township. As so enumerated, George is listed as George W. Letterman, 68 years old, born in Pennsylvania, parents born in Pennsylvania. George was head of household, and working as a botanist for the U.S. He was single, able to read and write, and renting his home on the Allenton-Eureka road.
George died on May 28, 1913, at his home in Allenton. Several months before he had suffered a severe attack of "lagrippe," (Spanish flu) from which he never recovered. Town stories hold that he died from eating poisonous mushrooms. George had been sick about three months prior to his death. Dr. G.M. Stelzlennia, a physician from Grand Avenue in St. Louis who was attracted to George through the study of botany, attended George during George's last illness. Though frequently a contributor to the Watchman-Advocate, George asked that news of his illness be kept out of the paper.
Reports conflict as to who was at George's bedside when he died. Some reports say Joe Goode was the only one, and that he held George's hand when George passed away. The obituary in the Watchman-Advocate, however, stated that Miss Byrda Votaw, William Pfeiffer, Fred, Jacob and Robert Wengler, and Joseph Goode were all at his bedside. Either way, George was well-tended to in his final days. George's good friend, Joe Goode, had looked after George's every want and need when George fell ill. And in the final days, neighbors pitched in, staying up all night with George.
A funeral for George was held at the Methodist Church on May 30th, with the Rev. P.P. Lewis presiding. Rev. Lewis was a life-long friend and admirer of George. Several of George's former pupils served as pallbearers.
George was buried in the Allen Cemetery, where it is said his grave was blanketed with flowers.
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Obituary
St. Louis Globe-Democrat
Thursday, May 29, 1913
RECLUSE, FAMES AS BOTANIST, IS DEAD
Prof. Letterman, Authority on Herbs, Was Mystery to Neighbors
NEGROE HIS CONFIDANT
Scientist, 72, Tells History for First Time in Farewell Note
George W. Letterman, 72 years old, an eccentric recluse known nationally as a botanist, died at his home at Allenton, St. Louis County, at 5 o'clock yesterday afternoon. Joe Goode, a negro, who had attended him out of kindness during his last illness, was the only person present when he died. Prof. Letterman had taught the Allenton School for twenty-three consecutive years, but all that his neighbors knew of his history was furnished on a slip of paper written with a lead pencil a few moments before the end came. It was known he was a national figure among botanists, and possessed a herbarium which is said to be one of the rarest in the world but he never mentioned his family relations. On the paper was written:
"I am now ill and really in need. I never was married and live alone. My neighbors are extremely kind."
Then followed a short history of his life in which he stated he was born in Centre County, Pa., in 1841, was a graduate of the Farmers Agricultural College, now the Pennsylvania State University, in 1863, had two brothers who are dead, and one sister from whom he has never heard since her marriage. He had forgotten her husband's name. Prof. and his two brothers were in the Civil War.
Lived in One-Room Cottage
His life in Allenton was spent in a one-room cottage, which he rented and used only at night. During the day he was in the woods trapping moths and insects, or watching the growth of plants.
When he became ill several weeks ago his most intimate friend, Joe Goode, who is about his own age, cared for him. Later when he became weaker, neighbors took turns in remaining all night.
He had shown letters from Yale and other universities, offering him positions as instructor in botany, but he preferred life among the Meramec hills about Allenton and Eureka. In the Popular Science Monthly several years ago, an extended article was printed, giving the discoveries and some of the eccentricities of Prof. Letterman. His neighbors will give him a funeral.
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Obituary
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Thursday, May 29, 1913
PROF. LETTERMAN, NOTED BOTANIST, DIES IN POVERTY
Attended Only by Negro in One-Room Cabin, Hermit Succumbs at Allenton
TELLS PAST AS LAST ACT
Writes He Never Was Married – Noted Scientist Visited Him in County Woods
George W. Letterman, regarded by his fellow townsmen as an eccentric recluse, but known to scientist the world over as one of America's greatest botanist, died in poverty and attended only by a negro neighbor in his little cabin at Allenton, 30 miles west of St. Louis, Wednesday afternoon.
Letterman had lived in Allenton 30 years, and for 20 years he was a teacher in the public school there. He was a bachelor, 72 years old.
Throughout his long stay in Allenton he had lived alone in his little one-room cabin, spending most of his time in the woods in search of rare plants, flowers, and trees.
Writes He Never Married
In Allenton there had been much speculation as to Prof. Letterman's past, and as to whether or not family troubles had caused him to choose the life of a recluse and woodsman.
His last act was to set all these questions at rest by writing a short statement, which he completed only a few minutes before he died. It read:
"I am now ill and really in need. I never was married, and live alone. My neighbors are extremely kind."
Added to this was a short history of his life, which said that he was born in Pennsylvania, and was a graduate of the Farmers' Agricultural College, now the Pennsylvania State University. He had two brothers, now dead, and a married sister, whose whereabouts he did not know.
The little cabin in which Prof. Letterman died was a storehouse for botanical specimens of priceless value to science, but even in direct extremity of need he never had thought of turning any of his treasures into money.
It had been the dream of his life to leave his specimens as a precious heritage to some Missouri institution of learning. Among his closest friends were the late Dr. Engelmann of Washington University and Prof. Gustav Hamback, who for many years occupied the Washington University chair of geology.
Many distinguished American and European scientists made pilgrimages to Prof. Letterman's little cabin at Allenton and made excursions with him through his beloved woods along the Meramec.
Waved Aside Professorships
Many rare plants which he discovered were named after him and in botanical terminology many species are known as "Letterman." This insures undying fame for the hermit scientist. It was all the reward he asked for the efforts of a lifetime devoted to increasing the world's store of knowledge.
Prof. C.S. Sargent, chief of forestry at Harvard University, was one of those who loved to visit Prof. Letterman and ramble with him through the woods and marvel at his collection of specimens. Harvard professorships twice were offered to Letterman, but he waved them aside as temptations. He preferred the vaulted arches of the Meramec woods to the man-made halls of learning.
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Obituary
St. Louis County Watchman-Advocate
Friday, May 30, 1913
GEO. W. LETTERMAN DIES AT ALLENTON
WAS FORMER SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN ST. LOUIS COUNTY
Lived Quiet Life in Woods and Was Regarded as One of the Best Posted Botanists in the Entire Country – Funeral This Afternoon
Prof. George W. Letterman, 72 years old, a former superintendent of schools of St. Louis County, and teacher of the Allenton public school for twenty-three consecutive years, died Wednesday afternoon at 5 o'clock, after a lingering illness. Prof. Letterman was a man of pronounced literary tastes and was also a national figure among botanist. A treasured herbarium is said to contain many rare specimens, constituting one of the most valuable collections in the world.
Many men and women who have attained responsible positions in life will dry a tear in memory of their old teacher, whose kindness and patience endeared him to all.
Prof. Letterman occupied a small cottage at Allenton and lived an unostentatious life. His interest in ferns and flowers was proverbial among his neighbors and friends, and he spent weeks, months and years catching moths and insects, or in selecting rare botanical specimens and watching carefully the growth of plants.
"I am ill and really in need. I never was married and live alone. My neighbors are extremely kind," wrote Mr. Letterman on a scrap of paper when he realized that death was near. He also penned a brief autobiography stating that he was born in Center County, Pa., in 1841; graduated from the Farmers' Agricultural College, now Pennsylvania State College, in 1863; had two brothers who are dead and one sister from whom he never heard after her marriage; and was a veteran of the Civil War.
Prof. Letterman treasured letters from Yale and other universities offering him positions as instructor in botany, but he preferred a quiet life in the Meramec Hills, about Allenton and Eureka.
Prof. Letterman was sick about three months. He was a valued contributor to the columns of the Watchman-Advocate, and in one of the last letters prepared for publication he asked that the news of his illness be kept out of the paper. He was given medical attention by Dr. G.M. Stelzlennia, of 1215 Grand avenue, a physician who was attracted to Prof. Letterman through the study of botany. At his bedside, when death ensued, were Miss Byrda Votaw, William Pfeiffer, Fred, Jacob and Robert Wengler, and Joseph Goode, a colored man, who was engaged to look after the comforts of the old man in his declining days.
The funeral was conducted this afternoon, the funeral oration being delivered by P.P. Lewis of Crescent, a life-long friend and admirer of Prof. Letterman, and the pallbearers were selected form among the hundreds of pupils who were present to pay a last tribute to the memory of a man who was universally beloved by all who knew him. The remains were interred in the Allen Cemetery, where a suitable marker will be placed at the grave of a man whose life was devoted to a principle, and whose personal influence has been and will remain in inspiration to all who knew him.
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Obituary
San Jose Evening News
San Jose, California
August 13, 1913
DID HE CHOOSE THE BETTER PART?
Letterman – George W. Letterman – is dead.
You did not known Letterman or know of him, perhaps?
If not the loss is yours, as the death of Letterman is the nation's loss.
Letterman belonged to the race of born naturalists. To him the starry beauty of an anemone in the grass was more than the glare of the electric light in the city wilderness. His mind perceived more beauty in the stately aisles of the forest trees than in the arches of a cathedral.
For seventy years Letterman studies and botanized in the Missouri woods and fields. As his knowledge of nature grew so grew his fame, until few men were more highly regarded by the botanists of the state and nation. Many famous scientists visited his little cabin and toured the woods with him. Rare plans were named for him.
Fame brought to Letterman no inflation of spirit the man who lives much with nature is never vain or conceited. He knows his own littleness. Letterman was a true member of the family of Agassiz and Audubon and Muir and Burroughs.
He did not seek the world.
The world sought him.
His wisdom in the ways of plants reached the seats of learning, where men and women study botany with books and microscopes as well as with the naked eyes. So some of the great universities asked Letterman to join their faculties, to become an instructor of the young.
Letterman preferred his haunts along the brooks to a stately club near the river of learning. He would not leave his woods
Did Letterman choose alright for himself?
Considering himself alone, probably he took the better … He may have felt himself unfitted for the life in the halls of the universities, although he was a man of education. Perhaps he feared the restraints of regular hours of teaching, when his soul would long for the great outdoors which he had made his home for so many years.
The world lost, no doubt, by his decision But possibly he gained.
Should he have sacrificed himself and given more freely of the stock of nature lore which was in him? Only he could answer the question, and he is dead.
He lived a good life. Whether he might have lived a better, more useful existence elsewhere than among his beloved grass and flowers and trees each reader must decide for himself.
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The Lettermans are enumerated on the 1850 federal census as residing in the Borough of Mill Hall, in Clinton County, Pennsylvania. As enumerated, the household consisted of: John Letterman, 31 years old; Charlotte Letterman, 30 years old; Benjamin F. Letterman, 10 years old; George W. Letterman, 8 years old; William H. Letterman, 5 years old; and Margaret Letterman, 3 years old. All are listed as being born in Pennsylvania. John was working as a laborer. All the children, except young Margaret, had attended school within the year. George received his early education in the public schools of Pennsylvania.
I have been unable to find the family on the 1860 census. However, at some point George left the home to attend the State College of Center County, Pennsylvania (also known at the Farmers Agricultural College, now Penn State). His studies there were interrupted by the war. Nevertheless, he graduated from the college in 1863.
George served in four different units during the war. His service took him from Pennsylvania, to Kentucky, Illinois, Kansas, and ultimately to New Mexico.
Lt. Col. Litzinger's Battalion, Infantry, Emergency, 1863
In 1863, George served as a Private in Lt. Col. Litzinger's Battalion of the Pennsylvania Infantry – one of the emergency militias organized for the protection of Pennsylvania against Lee's invasion in 1863. Robert Litzinger, from Blacklick Township in Cambria County, Pennsylvania, commanded the unit. The official army records refer to this unit as "Lt. Col. Litzinger's Battalion, Infantry, Emergency, 1863." It was also called "Litzinger's Infantry Battalion." There were about 400 men in this unit; many of whom were from the Blacklick Township area. Blacklick Township is about 70-80 miles from State College, Pennsylvania. The Litzinger unit mustered into duty on June 23, 1863 and mustered out at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, on August 8, 1863. The unit then disbanded. The unit served on the fringes of the Gettysburg campaign.
121st Regiment, United States Colored Infantry
George next served as a 1st Lieutenant in Company A of the 121st U.S. Colored Infantry. On July 25, 1864, President Lincoln appointed George, then in civil life, to serve as a 1st Lieutenant in the 121st U.S. Colored Infantry. George joined for duty and enrolled on August 15, 1864, at Lexington, Kentucky. On August 18, 1864, by order from the headquarters of the U.S. Colored Troops at Camp Nelson, Kentucky, George was ordered on temporary duty to Lt. Col. Sand, commanding the 116th U.S.C.I. The 121st U.S. Colored Infantry was formally organized at Maysville, Kentucky, on October 8, 1864. George was assigned to duty with his company in the 121st – Company A – on October 10, 1864. He mustered into service in Company A on October 24, 1864, at Camp Nelson, Kentucky. He was 23 years old at the time.
The men of the 121st U.S.C.I. performed garrison and guard duty at various points in the Military District and Department of Kentucky until June 1865. George appears as present on company muster rolls from the organization of the unit in October 1864, until December 1864. He also appears as present on company muster rolls for the months of January, February, March, and April of 1865.
The 121st U.S.C.I consolidated with the 13th U.S. U.S. Colored Heavy Artillery in July of 1865. The War Department reassigned George to Company G of the 13th U.S.C.H.A. George mustered out of the 121st on July 7, 1865, and on the next day, July 8, 1865, he joined, enrolled, and mustered into service as a 1st Lieutenant in Company G of the 13th U.S.C.H.A.
13th Regiment, United States Colored Heavy Artillery
As noted, the 121st U.S. Colored Infantry consolidated with the 13th U.S. Colored Heavy Artillery in July of 1865. George mustered out of the 121st U.S.C.I. on July 7, 1865, and was reappointed to the 13th U.S.C.H.A. as a First Lieutenant. He officially joined for duty and enrolled in the 13th U.S.C.H.A. on July 8, 1865, at Louisville, Kentucky, for a period of three years. He mustered into service on that same date. In all, George served as 1st Lt. of Company G, 13th U.S. Colored Heavy Artillery from July 8 to November 18, 1865, when the regiment mustered out of service.
The 13th U.S. Colored Heavy Artillery was organized at Camp Nelson, Kentucky on June 23, 1864. The unit served garrison duty at Camp Nelson, Smithland, Lexington, and other points in Kentucky.
George served in Company G of the 13th U.S.C.H.A. – many of the men in that company mustered in from Greenupsburg, Greenup County, Kentucky. George appears as present on the company muster rolls for July, August, and September 1865.
George, as well as the rest of the 13th U.S.C.H.A., mustered out of service on November 18, 1865, at Louisville, Kentucky. At the time he mustered out, George had yet to be paid for his service in the unit. Upon mustering out, George attested that to the best of his ability, he had returned all clothing, camp and garrison equipment, that had come into his possession, whether that government property had been captured from the enemy, invoiced to him, or otherwise had come into his possession informally. He also attested that he was not indebted to the United States on any account whatsoever. Col. Foster, of the 13th U.S.C.H.A., also attested that George had made all the required returns of all government property. The regimental quartermaster also attested that George was not indebted to him.
125th Regiment, United States Colored Infantry
On December 11, 1865, just several weeks after he mustered out of the 13th U.S.C.H.A., George was appointed from civilian life to be a First Lieutenant in the 125th U.S. Colored Infantry. He accepted the appointment on December 23, 1865, and joined for duty and enrolled on December 27, 1865, at Camp Chase, Ohio. He mustered into service same date, December 27, 1865. He was 25 years old. Rather than a specific term of duty, George served at the pleasure of the President. George was initially assigned to Company K, on a temporary basis. He served with that company at Camp Chase, Ohio, until January 1, 1866, when he left for Cairo, Illinois. He reported for duty at Cairo on January 6, 1866, and was assigned to Company A of the 121st U.S.C.I on January 23, 1866. George appears as present on the muster roll for Company A for the months of January, February, March, and April 1866. George was on duty at Cairo.
On April 8, 1866, at Cairo, Illinois, George requested to be relieved from duty with Company A of the 125th U.S.C.I and assigned to duty with some other company. George believed the change would be both pleasant to himself and agreeable his present commanding officer. On April 12, 1866, George was commissioned as Captain in the 125th U.S.C.I. On that same date, George left with the regiment for Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas. He was relieved from duty in Company A on May 1, 1866, and assigned to command of Company K of the 125th U.S.C.I. on that same date. He was on duty with Company K across the plains to Fort Union, New Mexico, where he arrived on July 1, 1866.
George accepted the appointment as Captain, and therefore mustered out as 1st Lt. of Company K of the 125th U.S.C.I. on June 30, 1866, at Santa Fe, New Mexico. But due to some apparent oversight, George was not formally mustered back in as Captain of Company K until January 10, 1867. He nevertheless assumed command of the company, and his service as Captain was ultimately dated retroactively to July 1, 1866.
On July 8, 1866, a week after arriving at Ft. Union, George left the fort for Fort McRea, New Mexico, arriving there on August 4, 1866. He remained in command of Company K, and was appointed post treasurer on September 9, 1866. On September 24, 1866, he was relieved from duty at Fort McRea and ordered to Fort Bascom, New Mexico. On September 27, 1866, George was wounded in the left hand by the accidental discharge of a pistol. George left Fort McRea, and in a letter dated November 2, 1866, directed to 1st Lt. & Adjt Wheeler of the 125th U.S.C.I., he reported that he had arrived safely with his company at Fort Bascom on October 31st. Fort Bascom was established in 1863, on the south bank of the Canadian River in eastern New Mexico, slightly west of the Texas border, near present-day Tucumcari.
The fort was one of a series of forts established to help guard the eastern frontier of New Mexico. It helped control the Kiowa, Comanche, and other tribes inhabiting the Red and Canadian River region; watched over the Goodnight-Loving Cattle Trail, as well as the Santa Fe Trail; and policed the activities of the "Comancheros," American and Mexican renegades who traded illegally with the Indians. The fort was abandoned in 1870. The fort consisted of a sandstone officers' quarters and a few adobe buildings. Over the years, the buildings fell into disrepair. Nothing is left of the fort today.
George remained on duty at Ft. Bascom from the fall of 1866 until October of 1867. He served as A.A.Q.M. and A.C.S. at the fort, pursuant to an order dated November 14, 1866. He served in the positions from December 1, 1866 until March 2, 1867, and remained in command of Company K. George was relieved from duty as A.A.Q.M. and A.C..S on March 2, 1867, and assigned to command of Ft. Bascom. He assumed command on March 4, 1867. George appears as present on the muster roll for Company K, as commanding both Company K and the post, for the months of March through October, 1867. On October 20, 1867, George was relieved from duty at Ft. Bascom, and ordered to report to Col. Gerhart, Commanding Regiment at Ft. Union. George arrived at Ft. Union on November 5, 1867. Two days later, on November 7, 1867, he was relieved from duty and ordered to proceed to Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas, for muster out. George arrived at Ft. Leavenworth on December 14, 1867. He mustered out on December 20, 1867.
George applied for an invalid pension in May of 1913. He died, however, before completing the application process.
George's brother William also served, as a Private in Company E of the 49th Pennsylvania Infantry. He enlisted on October 24, 1861, and died while serving, on September 11, 1862. The obituaries for George state that his brother Benjamin also served, but thus far I have been unable to document his service.
Move to Missouri
After George mustered out at the end of the war, he wandered around the country for a few years. He returned to Pennsylvania for a time, and then went west again to Kansas, with the idea of becoming a farmer there. He finally settled in Allenton, Missouri, in 1869.
George settled in Allenton in 1869. Soon thereafter he became a teacher in the Allenton public school, a position he held for twenty-three years. He also served three terms as School Commissioner for St. Louis County. And, he became a well-known and respected botanist, known the world over.
George never married and had no children. He never spoke of his family or of his early life.
What is known has been gained through research, and a note George penned on his deathbed, listing his birthplace and family information.
George lived a very "modest," "isolated," "unostentatious life." He lived alone in a one-room cabin, which he rented, and only used at night. The cabin – or sometimes described as a cottage – was furnished with a stove, table and bed. George spent most of his time in the woods, in search of rare plants, flowers, and trees, studying the flora of the area, and trapping insects. He diligently studied the flora of the state, especially that of St. Louis County. His cabin became a storehouse for his botanical specimens.
It is said that George belonged to no church or society, and that he never went to places of entertainment. And it was not known if he even visited his neighbors.
George was regarded by his fellow townsmen as being an "eccentric recluse." And while George had a "retiring nature," and lived somewhat the life of a hermit, he was nonetheless a well-respected and loved citizen of Allenton. He had a jovial disposition and always had a pleasant word for everybody. His kindness and patience endeared him to all. People went to him to ask his advice and to have important papers written in his beautiful penmanship. And the Allenton school attracted pupils from far and wide because of Professor Letterman.
George was close friends with Dr. Engelmann and Prof. Gustav Hamback, both from Washington University. His most intimate friend was Joe Goode, an "old black man" who lived nearby in Allenton. Joe was born sometime in the 1850s. He is enumerated on the 1880 census as boarding in the home of Jane Billips, in Allenton. He was 23 years old, and listed as being born in Missouri, with parents born in Virginia. He was single, and working as a laborer. Joseph is enumerated on the 1900 federal census as residing in Meramec Township. He was renting his own place, and is listed on the census record just above George. Joseph was single, 42 years old, and listed as being born in Missouri in October of 1857. He is again listed as having parents who were born in Virginia. He was working as a barber. Joseph is enumerated on the 1910 census as residing on the Allenton-Pacific Road, in Meramec Township. He was 53 years old, and listed as being born in Missouri, with a father born in Virginia and a mother born in Missouri. He was working as a laborer at odd jobs. Joe died from pneumonia on March 5, 1930, at the People's Hospital in St. Louis. He is buried at Father Dickson Cemetery, in Crestwood.
George is enumerated on the 1870 federal census as residing in Meramec Township of St. Louis County. As so enumerated, George is listed as George W. Letterman, 28 years old, born in Pennsylvania. He was working in a school teacher, and residing in the home of Jane Williams, 47 years old, born in Ohio. A Maria Clark, school mistress, was also residing in the home.
George is enumerated on the 1880 census as residing in Allenton. As so enumerated, George is listed as George W. Letterman, 37 years old, born in Pennsylvania, parents born in Pennsylvania. He was teaching school, and living in the home of John and Martha Demire.
George was a noted botanist, but he was equally known for being a teacher in Allenton. He taught in the Allenton School for 20-23 years, and did much to advance education in the area. He loved children, and in turn was much beloved by his students. His fame spread far and wide, and several children were sent to school in Allenton from adjoining townships.
"Every morning Mr. Letterman stopped at the railroad station and picked up the daily paper from St. Louis." He had a large map of the world hanging in his school room, and as he read the news to his pupils they located the places on the map where the events took place.
George shared his love of botany with his students. He had his students bring in plants, and time was allotted to their study and examination. And on Saturdays, on his own free time, he took his students on nature hikes through the woods and they explored caves.
In January of 1885, the St. Louis County Court, by request of the Republican Central Committee, appointed George as School Commissioner of St. Louis County. George accepted the position and set about to carry out the duties of the office. George's appointment was just that – an appointment. The position was an elected position. Shortly after his appointment, many in Allenton, and the county as a whole, called for him to run for office at the next school election, to be held in April. Support for George seemed universal. Even potential opponents supported George. And the county newspaper touted George's ability. George heeded the calls, and ran for the office. The St. Louis County Watchman continued their support of Letterman's candidacy. And opponents withdrew from the race. George was unanimously elected. He served for three terms. George's responsibilities as school commissioner included examining individuals for teaching positions in the county. He also directed administrative details. George also handled disputes from, and between, the districts. For instance, in May of 1890, several school districts wished to "capture" property belonging to other and adjoining districts. The Manchester District wished to absorb a portion of several districts whose territory was contiguous. The Old Orchard District, which was experiencing a growth in population, and had saddled itself with $10,000 in debt to build a new school house. The district wished to encroach upon the territory of its big neighbor, Webster Groves, to acquire about 100 acres. The voters of Old Orchard voted for the proposition; the voters of Webster Groves did not. These disputes found their way to George – who did not allow either action. George also judged various spelling and writing contests. And in September of 1888, he was in charge of the educational department of the St. Louis County Fair, and he requested that all teachers in the county declare a holiday, so that their pupils could attend the Fair. The directors of the Fair Association announced free admission to all teachers and school children of the county. A singing contest was held, as well as a written spelling match. George acted as one of the judges at the spelling contest. Almira Wengler, of Clayton, was declared the winner. Almira was the daughter of veteran William C. Wengler.
In January of 1890, George chaired a meeting of 150 teachers from the county, for the purpose of organizing a teachers' institute. A constitution was adopted and signed by many of the teachers present, including George. The organization took hold. An article from April 1892 noted that the St. Louis County Teachers' Institute was holding its eighth quarterly meeting. George, still the county superintendent, chaired the meeting, held in Kirkwood. Ninety of the 130 teachers of the county attended. Many papers were read, and addresses heard. A hot-button topic of the meeting appeared to be the use of corporal punishment in the schools, which a majority of those present opposed.
In addition to promoting professionalism among his teachers, it appears George may have also attended national conventions – or at least kept up with national happenings. In July of 1886, the Watchman thanked George for a copy of the Topeka (Kan.) Daily Capital, containing a report of the annual meeting of the National Educational Association.
The schools in St. Louis County flourished under George.
Shortly after arriving in Allenton, George met Mr. August Fendler, a well-known botanist who had a farm in the neighborhood. Mr. Fendler sparked George's interest in botany, especially in trees. From 1870 to just a few months before his death – a span of forty years – George had an active interest in science. As noted, he spent his time in the woods, studying and collecting the flora and fauna of the Missouri countryside. His interest in ferns and flowers was proverbial among his neighbors and friends. He spent "weeks, months, years" collecting rare botanical specimens. George was known as a "keen and discriminating collector, particularly of Missouri plants…." He became known to scientist the world over as one of America's greatest botanist.
George's cabin was a storehouse for his botanical specimens. At his death, it was noted that his herbarium (dried, pressed plant collection), consisted of 10,000 species, that it contained many rare specimens, and was one of the most valuable collections in the world. Although George experienced dire/needy circumstances, and even though his botanical specimens were of priceless value to science, he never thought of turning any of his treasures into money. Rather, it was his dream to leave his specimens as a precious heritage to some Missouri institution of learning. His collection is housed at the Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis.
Many distinguished American and European scientists made pilgrimages to Prof. Letterman's little cabin at Allenton and made excursions with him through his beloved woods along the Meramec River." Professor Charles Sprague Sargent, Professor of Arboriculture at Harvard, was one of those who loved to visit Prof. Letterman and ramble with him through the woods and marvel at his collection of specimens. Professor Sargent was special agent of the Tenth U.S. Federal Census – in particular, he was superintendent of the tree census. George, in turn, was appointed a special agent of the United States Census Department, to collect information about the trees and forest of Missouri, Arkansas, western Louisiana, and eastern Texas. The distribution of the trees of the region was little known before George's travels. The Census Office of the U.S. Department of the Interior released Professor Sargent's report on the forest of North America – including the information George had gathered – in 1884. George provided a copy of the report to the St. Louis County Watchman in 1885. And in January 1889, he presented 16 maps and a copy of the report to the St. Louis Academy of Science. Professor Sargent's works was said "to excel anything of its kind ever before published."
Through Professor Sargent, George also became a collaborator in the preparation of the noted Jesup collection of North American Woods, at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. He was employed as an agent of the museum, to collect specimens of the trees of the same region for the collection.
George traveled extensively throughout the United States. In addition to his travels for the 1880 tree census, George traveled to, and collected specimens from 1880 to 1891 in the following states from 1880 to 1891: Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Texas, and Wyoming.
In 1878, George attended the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia. He reported his botanical research findings to the Smithsonian Archives in Washington, D.C., and corresponded with botanists in the U.S. Department of Agriculture from 881 to 1883.
George took at least two trips west, during the summers of 1885 and 1886. George traveled to the Yellowstone region in July and August of 1885. During this same trip, George visited the Fossil Butte National Monument, in Wyoming, and was the first trained botanist to do so. He made a series of collections, which are deposited at the Gray Herbarium and the U.S. National Herbarium.
George returned to the west again, a year later, when he in July of 1886 he traveled to Colorado and for six weeks toured the Rocky Mountains.
Through Fendler, George met Dr. George Engelmann, a German-born botanist and physician associated with Washington University, for whom George made large collections of plants in the neighborhood of Allenton, with many notes on the Oaks and Hickories. Dr. Engelmann helped found what is now the Missouri Botanical Gardens, and became one of George's closest friends. George was one of the founders of the Engelmann Botanical Club in St. Louis. To the delight of members, George would arrive from Allenton, loaded down with specimens of plans of the most rare and interesting kinds, and his explanations of his personal observations on those plants was "a treat worthwhile and not easily forgotten."
Though widely known and respected, George had no desire to achieve a reputation through publication. Instead, his greatest pleasure was imparting information to his pupils. Numerous universities, including Yale and Harvard (twice), offered George positions as an instructor in botany. George treasured those offers, but turned them down. George preferred a quiet life among the Meramec hills about Allenton and Eureka. As often stated, George preferred "the vaulted arches of the Meramec woods to the man-made halls of learning."
George discovered many rare plants, which were then named after him. In botanical terminology, many species are known as "Letterman." Some of the genera containing species named for him are Vernonia, Poa, Stipa, and Crataegus. This insured undying fame for the hermit scientist. It was all the reward he asked for the efforts of a lifetime devoted to increasing the world's store of knowledge.
George had a fondness for animals, as well. In May of 1896, the Pacific paper reported that George had succeeded in "trapping an opossum with fifteen young ones some time ago, and they have become tame.
It was said that George belonged to no church or society, and that he never went to places of entertainment. And it was not known if he even visited his neighbors. Though described as a recluse, I have found several instances of George out and about in town, involved in the community and a variety of causes.
In April of 1888, George was elected as member of the St Louis County Farmer's League, as was fellow Allenton resident William C. Wengler. Robert C. Allen was elected president for the year. In April of 1890, the farmers of the county once again organized against robbers. In an answer to the call of the Sheriff of St. Louis County, about 100 delegates chosen by the school districts, gathered at Clayton for the purpose of organizing an association whose main purpose was to be the suppression of stealing in the county. The farmers had become "thoroughly aroused in view of the inability of the Sheriff to prevent the carrying off of their property." George served as secretary of the meeting, and was one of the committee that selected officers for the organization. The committee selected him to serve as secretary of the organization as well. Those gathered approved the selection. The group adopted a series of resolutions, and "all present showed their enthusiasm and determination to break up the gang of thieves that [had] been preying upon them."
In June of 1889, George contributed $5 to the Johnstown fund, being raised for the benefit of the sufferers from the flood in the Conemaugh Valley, Pennsylvania
George attended the fifth annual fair of the St. Louis County Agricultural and Mechanical Association, held at Jacob Studt's Park, Upper Creve Coeur Lake, in September of 1891. George may have been a member of the association – such is implied in the article.
In June of 1895, George went to St. Louis on business. He traveled to St. Louis again in July of 1897.
George served on several juries. He served as a juryman at Clayton in February of 1896. And in October he served on the grand jury at the October term of the St. Louis County Circuit Court. And in June of 1906, it was noted that "Prof. Letterman had a surcease from jury work, but was called back last week." In March of 1906, the Pacific paper noted that George was absent from Allenton on jury duty, and thus there was "nothing doing" in Allenton.
George is enumerated on the 1900 federal census as residing in Meramec Township. As so enumerated, George is listed as George Letterman, 59 years old, born May 1842 in Pennsylvania, parents born in Pennsylvania. He was listed as head of household, renting his home. He was single, and listed as being an ex school teacher.
George, along with F.F. Eronim, Henry Guibor, Dr. Eatherton and B. Gudermuth, were elected delegates to the good roads convention, held at Clayton in September of 1906.
In politics, George was a Republican. The Republican Club of Allenton met at the Allenton school house in 1896. George was an active officer of the club. He was also active on the county-wide level. He was on the committee of resolutions, at the April 1896 meeting of the St. Louis County Republicans. He was also elected at that meeting to be a delegate to the upcoming state convention at St. Joseph, Missouri. As an aside, the National Convention of the Republican Party was held in downtown St. Louis in 1896. The Convention nominated Ohio Governor and Civil War veteran William McKinley for President of the United States. McKinley was elected later that year.
George is enumerated on the 1910 federal census as residing in Meramec Township. As so enumerated, George is listed as George W. Letterman, 68 years old, born in Pennsylvania, parents born in Pennsylvania. George was head of household, and working as a botanist for the U.S. He was single, able to read and write, and renting his home on the Allenton-Eureka road.
George died on May 28, 1913, at his home in Allenton. Several months before he had suffered a severe attack of "lagrippe," (Spanish flu) from which he never recovered. Town stories hold that he died from eating poisonous mushrooms. George had been sick about three months prior to his death. Dr. G.M. Stelzlennia, a physician from Grand Avenue in St. Louis who was attracted to George through the study of botany, attended George during George's last illness. Though frequently a contributor to the Watchman-Advocate, George asked that news of his illness be kept out of the paper.
Reports conflict as to who was at George's bedside when he died. Some reports say Joe Goode was the only one, and that he held George's hand when George passed away. The obituary in the Watchman-Advocate, however, stated that Miss Byrda Votaw, William Pfeiffer, Fred, Jacob and Robert Wengler, and Joseph Goode were all at his bedside. Either way, George was well-tended to in his final days. George's good friend, Joe Goode, had looked after George's every want and need when George fell ill. And in the final days, neighbors pitched in, staying up all night with George.
A funeral for George was held at the Methodist Church on May 30th, with the Rev. P.P. Lewis presiding. Rev. Lewis was a life-long friend and admirer of George. Several of George's former pupils served as pallbearers.
George was buried in the Allen Cemetery, where it is said his grave was blanketed with flowers.
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Obituary
St. Louis Globe-Democrat
Thursday, May 29, 1913
RECLUSE, FAMES AS BOTANIST, IS DEAD
Prof. Letterman, Authority on Herbs, Was Mystery to Neighbors
NEGROE HIS CONFIDANT
Scientist, 72, Tells History for First Time in Farewell Note
George W. Letterman, 72 years old, an eccentric recluse known nationally as a botanist, died at his home at Allenton, St. Louis County, at 5 o'clock yesterday afternoon. Joe Goode, a negro, who had attended him out of kindness during his last illness, was the only person present when he died. Prof. Letterman had taught the Allenton School for twenty-three consecutive years, but all that his neighbors knew of his history was furnished on a slip of paper written with a lead pencil a few moments before the end came. It was known he was a national figure among botanists, and possessed a herbarium which is said to be one of the rarest in the world but he never mentioned his family relations. On the paper was written:
"I am now ill and really in need. I never was married and live alone. My neighbors are extremely kind."
Then followed a short history of his life in which he stated he was born in Centre County, Pa., in 1841, was a graduate of the Farmers Agricultural College, now the Pennsylvania State University, in 1863, had two brothers who are dead, and one sister from whom he has never heard since her marriage. He had forgotten her husband's name. Prof. and his two brothers were in the Civil War.
Lived in One-Room Cottage
His life in Allenton was spent in a one-room cottage, which he rented and used only at night. During the day he was in the woods trapping moths and insects, or watching the growth of plants.
When he became ill several weeks ago his most intimate friend, Joe Goode, who is about his own age, cared for him. Later when he became weaker, neighbors took turns in remaining all night.
He had shown letters from Yale and other universities, offering him positions as instructor in botany, but he preferred life among the Meramec hills about Allenton and Eureka. In the Popular Science Monthly several years ago, an extended article was printed, giving the discoveries and some of the eccentricities of Prof. Letterman. His neighbors will give him a funeral.
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Obituary
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Thursday, May 29, 1913
PROF. LETTERMAN, NOTED BOTANIST, DIES IN POVERTY
Attended Only by Negro in One-Room Cabin, Hermit Succumbs at Allenton
TELLS PAST AS LAST ACT
Writes He Never Was Married – Noted Scientist Visited Him in County Woods
George W. Letterman, regarded by his fellow townsmen as an eccentric recluse, but known to scientist the world over as one of America's greatest botanist, died in poverty and attended only by a negro neighbor in his little cabin at Allenton, 30 miles west of St. Louis, Wednesday afternoon.
Letterman had lived in Allenton 30 years, and for 20 years he was a teacher in the public school there. He was a bachelor, 72 years old.
Throughout his long stay in Allenton he had lived alone in his little one-room cabin, spending most of his time in the woods in search of rare plants, flowers, and trees.
Writes He Never Married
In Allenton there had been much speculation as to Prof. Letterman's past, and as to whether or not family troubles had caused him to choose the life of a recluse and woodsman.
His last act was to set all these questions at rest by writing a short statement, which he completed only a few minutes before he died. It read:
"I am now ill and really in need. I never was married, and live alone. My neighbors are extremely kind."
Added to this was a short history of his life, which said that he was born in Pennsylvania, and was a graduate of the Farmers' Agricultural College, now the Pennsylvania State University. He had two brothers, now dead, and a married sister, whose whereabouts he did not know.
The little cabin in which Prof. Letterman died was a storehouse for botanical specimens of priceless value to science, but even in direct extremity of need he never had thought of turning any of his treasures into money.
It had been the dream of his life to leave his specimens as a precious heritage to some Missouri institution of learning. Among his closest friends were the late Dr. Engelmann of Washington University and Prof. Gustav Hamback, who for many years occupied the Washington University chair of geology.
Many distinguished American and European scientists made pilgrimages to Prof. Letterman's little cabin at Allenton and made excursions with him through his beloved woods along the Meramec.
Waved Aside Professorships
Many rare plants which he discovered were named after him and in botanical terminology many species are known as "Letterman." This insures undying fame for the hermit scientist. It was all the reward he asked for the efforts of a lifetime devoted to increasing the world's store of knowledge.
Prof. C.S. Sargent, chief of forestry at Harvard University, was one of those who loved to visit Prof. Letterman and ramble with him through the woods and marvel at his collection of specimens. Harvard professorships twice were offered to Letterman, but he waved them aside as temptations. He preferred the vaulted arches of the Meramec woods to the man-made halls of learning.
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Obituary
St. Louis County Watchman-Advocate
Friday, May 30, 1913
GEO. W. LETTERMAN DIES AT ALLENTON
WAS FORMER SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN ST. LOUIS COUNTY
Lived Quiet Life in Woods and Was Regarded as One of the Best Posted Botanists in the Entire Country – Funeral This Afternoon
Prof. George W. Letterman, 72 years old, a former superintendent of schools of St. Louis County, and teacher of the Allenton public school for twenty-three consecutive years, died Wednesday afternoon at 5 o'clock, after a lingering illness. Prof. Letterman was a man of pronounced literary tastes and was also a national figure among botanist. A treasured herbarium is said to contain many rare specimens, constituting one of the most valuable collections in the world.
Many men and women who have attained responsible positions in life will dry a tear in memory of their old teacher, whose kindness and patience endeared him to all.
Prof. Letterman occupied a small cottage at Allenton and lived an unostentatious life. His interest in ferns and flowers was proverbial among his neighbors and friends, and he spent weeks, months and years catching moths and insects, or in selecting rare botanical specimens and watching carefully the growth of plants.
"I am ill and really in need. I never was married and live alone. My neighbors are extremely kind," wrote Mr. Letterman on a scrap of paper when he realized that death was near. He also penned a brief autobiography stating that he was born in Center County, Pa., in 1841; graduated from the Farmers' Agricultural College, now Pennsylvania State College, in 1863; had two brothers who are dead and one sister from whom he never heard after her marriage; and was a veteran of the Civil War.
Prof. Letterman treasured letters from Yale and other universities offering him positions as instructor in botany, but he preferred a quiet life in the Meramec Hills, about Allenton and Eureka.
Prof. Letterman was sick about three months. He was a valued contributor to the columns of the Watchman-Advocate, and in one of the last letters prepared for publication he asked that the news of his illness be kept out of the paper. He was given medical attention by Dr. G.M. Stelzlennia, of 1215 Grand avenue, a physician who was attracted to Prof. Letterman through the study of botany. At his bedside, when death ensued, were Miss Byrda Votaw, William Pfeiffer, Fred, Jacob and Robert Wengler, and Joseph Goode, a colored man, who was engaged to look after the comforts of the old man in his declining days.
The funeral was conducted this afternoon, the funeral oration being delivered by P.P. Lewis of Crescent, a life-long friend and admirer of Prof. Letterman, and the pallbearers were selected form among the hundreds of pupils who were present to pay a last tribute to the memory of a man who was universally beloved by all who knew him. The remains were interred in the Allen Cemetery, where a suitable marker will be placed at the grave of a man whose life was devoted to a principle, and whose personal influence has been and will remain in inspiration to all who knew him.
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Obituary
San Jose Evening News
San Jose, California
August 13, 1913
DID HE CHOOSE THE BETTER PART?
Letterman – George W. Letterman – is dead.
You did not known Letterman or know of him, perhaps?
If not the loss is yours, as the death of Letterman is the nation's loss.
Letterman belonged to the race of born naturalists. To him the starry beauty of an anemone in the grass was more than the glare of the electric light in the city wilderness. His mind perceived more beauty in the stately aisles of the forest trees than in the arches of a cathedral.
For seventy years Letterman studies and botanized in the Missouri woods and fields. As his knowledge of nature grew so grew his fame, until few men were more highly regarded by the botanists of the state and nation. Many famous scientists visited his little cabin and toured the woods with him. Rare plans were named for him.
Fame brought to Letterman no inflation of spirit the man who lives much with nature is never vain or conceited. He knows his own littleness. Letterman was a true member of the family of Agassiz and Audubon and Muir and Burroughs.
He did not seek the world.
The world sought him.
His wisdom in the ways of plants reached the seats of learning, where men and women study botany with books and microscopes as well as with the naked eyes. So some of the great universities asked Letterman to join their faculties, to become an instructor of the young.
Letterman preferred his haunts along the brooks to a stately club near the river of learning. He would not leave his woods
Did Letterman choose alright for himself?
Considering himself alone, probably he took the better … He may have felt himself unfitted for the life in the halls of the universities, although he was a man of education. Perhaps he feared the restraints of regular hours of teaching, when his soul would long for the great outdoors which he had made his home for so many years.
The world lost, no doubt, by his decision But possibly he gained.
Should he have sacrificed himself and given more freely of the stock of nature lore which was in him? Only he could answer the question, and he is dead.
He lived a good life. Whether he might have lived a better, more useful existence elsewhere than among his beloved grass and flowers and trees each reader must decide for himself.
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