SOME HISTORY ABOUT AMERICAN FORESTERS Coleman A. Doggett wrote an article for the "Journal of Forest History" (January 1987; p 19-25) entitled "The Moravian Foresters." From this article, it appears that the first forester (not professionally trained) in America was Gottlieb Reuter. Gottlieb was forester for the Moravians at Bethabra, North Carolina from 1759 to 1778. He was born in Steinbach, Germany and received his surveyor's degree before moving to America. His appointment letter in August 1759 listed his title as "Forester and Superintendent of Hunters." However, it is my understanding that Martin Lick was the first American born forester (also not professionally trained). He served as forester at Bethabra from 1789 to 1794. Martin was born at Bethabra on 11 November, 1759. The office of forester at Bethabra fell into disuse after 1857 when the church sold the land to individuals and each property holder began to manage their own timberland. Does anyone on the net know of an individual who was born in America and worked as a forester before 1789? David South School of Forestry Auburn University, AL 36849-5418 dsouth@forestry.auburn.edu 205-844-1022 205-844-1084 (FAX)
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