Pylant Geneology

"History of Coosa County (Alabama)" by Rev. George E. Brewer: [UND:] John D. Letcher[:UND] While never seeking nor filling any offices except minor ones such as road reviewer, road overseer, magistrate's office and perhaps commissioner, John D. Letcher was yet widely known throughout the county as a man of public spirit active in whatever was promotive of the public good, and a most wothy citizen. His family were Virginians, but emigrated to Edgefield, S. C., where John D. was born. His grandfather was Joseph Letcher, who was killed by the Tories during the Revolutionary War. Giles Letcher was the father of John D. He came to Coosa County and settled in the country between Nixburg and Sockapatoy as early as 1833 or 1834. He married Miss Ann Matilda, daughter of Nathan Bozeman, about 1836. Letcher moved from the Sockapatoy country down to the neighborhood afterwards called Central Institute, perhaps in 1840. They lived here until long after the War Between the States and until after all their children had established homes of their own. They had ten children, the eldest of whom was Dr. Francis Marion Letcher, who has been a practicing physician near Cross Keys, Alabama, most of the time since the late war. He married a widow Clanton whose maiden name was Howard. They have raised six children who are still in Macon or Montgomery counties. The doctor had a fine practice and accumulated a good property. His family are all Baptists. Several of Mr. Letcher's family went to Texas. One son did a fine practice as a physician in Dallas. One daughter married Mr. Davis who was a gunsmith and did good work in that line during the war. Several of Mr. Letcher's sons were in the Confederate army and did good service. Mr. Letcher was one of the Trustees of the Central Institute as long as it belonged to the Baptists. The old coiuple, Mr. and Mrs. Letcher, were always beloved by all who knew them. They retained their freshness and vigor longer than most who live to their age. Both lived to be ninety or more, and when seen by the writer since the 20th century began, they were both sprightly in body and mind for those approaching centenarianism. Both have at last passed over the river, full of years and good works.