Mr. Letton came to Jefferson county directly from Scotland, in the year 1869. He homesteaded the present Geo. Cox farm, seven miles north of Fairbury, proving up at the end of the required time. Afterwards he moved to the town of Fairbury, where he engaged in the merchant-tailoring business until his death in the year 1895. Mr. Letton took quite a prominent part in the business affairs of his chosen city, also in the public questions of national and local interests. The wife, Mrs. Agnes Letton, survived the husband but two years, dying with pneumonia in the year 1897. The son, C. B. Letton, who accompanied the parents to Nebraska, is at present serving as Judge of the Supreme Court.

Mr. [Charles] Letton was born in Scotland; came to Nebraska with his parents in the year 1869. The family's first stop was at Nebraska City, where they outfitted a "prairie schooner" with an ox-team, to complete their journey to their homestead in Jefferson county. Arriving here in the month of August, they proceeded to erect a sod house, and prepare for the winter. Charles, being but a young man, followed the example of many other young men—sought employment of the old settlers to earn money to aid his parents. During the season of 1870 he worked for Jasper Helvey, receiving in payment the sum of $12 per month, one-third of which was paid in cash and two-thirds in young stock. The following winter, he arranged to work for his board and attend school at the log school-house near Helvey's, which was taught by W. H. Chamberlain, who afterwards became County Superintendent. While working for Mr. Helvey he helped to cut many cottonwood logs, and helped to float them down the Little Blue river to J. B. Mattingly's sawmill at Fairbury. This was a very strenuous occupation in the chilly days of October, working waist-deep in the stream, driving the ever-lodging logs to their point of destination. Part of these logs were hauled to Geo. Weisel's sawmill at old Meridian, as the river proved to be unavailable for successful logging.

Mr. Letton by perseverance finally secured a teacher's certificate from County Superintendent Chapman, and taught his first term of school at the Pheasant school-house on Cub creek. He continued to teach schools in different parts of the county for several years, finishing his last term in the city of Fairbury. Here he took up the study of law, in the office of Slocumb & Hambel, and at the death of Mr. Slocumb he was admitted into partnership with Mr. Hambel, continuing until the year 1882. Mr. Letton was elected County Attorney in the year 1885. Later was elected as District Judge of the First District, serving eight years, and at the completion of his term was appointed as a member of the Supreme Court Commission for two years. Elected as a Judge of the Supreme Court in 1906, he was reflected in 1911 to serve until 1918. Mr. Letton has always enjoyed the confidence of his fellow-citizens, being very popular with voters, regardless of party.

His record as a judge has been above reproach by any faction, and his incumbency has marked the inauguration of fair play to the common people. Jefferson county is justly proud of her self-made son, who has courage to stamp his convictions into the laws of the commonwealth.