Born in Virginia in 1788, Letcher moved with his family to Garrard County. After studying law, he opened a practice in Garrard County. During the War of 1812, Letcher served as judge advocate in a Kentucky mounted infantry regiment. Although his wartime career was likely brief, his military service and his good reputation led to his election to the state legislature and the U.S. Congress.
Letcher, known as "Black Bob," ran for governor as a Whig and was elected by a solid majority. Following his term, he practiced law, unsuccessfully ran for the U.S. Senate, and was U.S. minister to Mexico. He died in January 1861, and was buried in Frankfort.
When Letcher County was formed in 1842, it was named in his honor.

Image Courtesy of the Kentucky Historical Society