The Curtis F. Marbut Collection (M 14) in Meyer Library’s Special Collections and Archives features mainly photographs taken by Mr. Marbut in South America in 1923-1924. Subjects include animals, vegetation, rivers, boats, towns and settlements, buildings, crops, land features, and people.

Curtis Fletcher Marbut was born July 19, 1863, in Barry County in southwest Missouri, where he also grew up.  In 1889, he received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Missouri, and in 1894 a Master of Arts degree from Harvard.  He also completed his thesis for the Doctor of Philosophy at Harvard in 1896.  He taught physiography and geology at the University of Missouri from 1895 to 1910 and worked for the Missouri Geological Survey, directing the Missouri Soil Survey.

From 1910 to 1935, he worked as a soil scientist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture in the Bureau of Soils.  During this time, he also lectured at universities, directed field trips all over the world, and won several awards for his work and publications.  He passed away in 1935 of pneumonia, on a trip to China to advise the Chinese Geological Survey in organizing a Soil Survey.

Also see information and related collections from the State Historical Society of Missouri.

For more information see the collection’s finding aid or contact Special Collections and Archives.