Frank Nicholas Meyer Collection

Collection

Identifier: MS0295

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Frank Nicholas Meyer Collection consists of a typescript, a certificate, and photographs of Meyer. The typescript contains excerpts from letters between Frank N. Meyer and David Fairchild, his supervisor in the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Bureau of Plant Industry, relating to Meyer's plant exploration trip to South China from 1916 to 1918. Photographs of various botanical specimens are included. The last section of the typescript concerns Meyer's drowning on June 2, 1918, in the Yangtze River en route to Shanghai.

The 1905 certificate of introduction identifies Meyer as an agricultural explorer of the USDA who is visiting Manchuria and other parts of China for "the purpose of Aiding in Agricultural Development, especially along the line of Pomology."

The photographs include a black and white photograph of Meyer with a label that reads "Frank N. Meyer, Agricultural Explorer. Born November 29, 1875. Died June 1, 1918. Returning from a successful raid in the high mountains. Tired but satisfied. Wu Tai Shan, Shansi, China. February 25, 1908." There is also a photograph of Meyer and Fairchild labeled "Frank Meyer (right) converses with renowned plant explorer Dr. David Fairchild. At the young age of 22, Fairchild helped to create the USDA's Office of Foreign Seed and Plant Introduction where he served as chairman from 1904-1928. Throughout Meyer's travels, Fairchild was a guiding force, providing insight and support through his letters."

Dates

Creation: 1905-1918

Conditions Governing Access

Contact Special Collections for access.

Biographical Sketch

In 1901, Frans Nicholas Meijer (1875-1918) emigrated from the Netherlands to America, where his name was changed to Frank Meyer. Almost immediately, Meyer went to work for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) scientist Erwin F. Smith, known internationally for his groundbreaking work in bacteriology. In 1902, Meyer began working at the USDA's Plant Introduction Station in Santa Ana, California. The period from 1905 to 1908 marked the beginning of Meyer's expeditions to Asia, where he collected plants in China, Russia, and Japan, as well as other countries. During his second expedition from 1909 to 1912, he collected in Europe, Russia, and in China. From 1913 to 1915, he explored and collected plants in Russia and China. Meyer's fourth and final expedition took place from 1916 to 1918. The purpose of this journey is stated in the accompanying typescript, dated July 25, 1916.

Meyer died an untimely death in June 1918. While traveling on the Japanese riverboat, Feng Yang Maru, destined for Shanghai, he fell overboard into the Yangtze River. His body was recovered, but the circumstances of his death remain a mystery and source of speculation. Meyer's contributions as a plant explorer are recognized around the world. From apricots to wild pears, his plant introductions number over 2,500.