Military service: June 3, 1861, Captain, age 30, Capital Guards; elected May 8, 1862; severely wounded in thigh at Murfreesboro, Tennessee, December 31, 1862; 6th Arkansas Infantry Co A
He was president of the German National Bank and, in 1909, was elected president of the Arkansas Banking Association.
~~~~
John G. Fletcher Expires Suddenly
Death Occurred at His Home in Little Rock in the Early Morning and Is Attributed to Heart Failure
Long and Busy Career Ended
Born in Arkansas More than 75 Years ago, Had Resided in the State All His Life - Was Widely Known.
Col. John G. Fletcher, one of the most prominent and influential citizens of Arkansas and a resident within its borders during his entire lifetime of more than 75 years, died suddenly yesterday morning at 5:10 o'clock at his residence on Seventh and Rock streets. His death was due to heart failure, and the announcement of his sudden taking off created the greatest surprise among his number of friends in Little Rock and throughout the state.
Col. Fletcher had not complained in the slightest of feeling ill until but a few minutes before his death. Despite his age, he possessed the activity of a man several years his junior, and was at his office at the German National Bank as usual Tuesday. He attended to his affairs of business as customary throughout the day and retired at about his usual time Tuesday night. A few minutes before 5 o'clock yesterday morning he awoke and arose and got himself a glass of water. After returning to his bed he complained of a pain in his chest, and it was feared by his family that an attack of pneumonia, with which he was threatened some time since, was at hand. Dr. L. P. Gibson, who lives but a square from Col. Fletcher's residence, was summoned, and upon his arrival at Col. Fletcher's beside he found the patient suffering considerably. While he was preparing to inject an opiate to afford relief Col. Fletcher suddenly expired. The cause of his death was attributed to heart failure. The funeral will be held Friday afternoon at 4 o'clock from Christ Episcopal church, Fifth and Scott streets.
His Long and Busy Life.
Col. Fletcher was a member of a family of six brothers, all of whom were prominently identified with Arkansas and its history. His father was Henry Lewis Fletcher of Tennessee and his mother was Miss Mary Lindsay of Kentucky. Five years before the colony of Arkansas was organized they left Kentucky to seek homes in the Louisiana Purchase, and settled what is now Randolph county, Arkansas. They lived there until 1825, when they removed to what was then part of Pulaski county, but is now Saline county, where John G. Fletcher was born January 8, 1931. Until he was 24 years of age his life was spent in the work incident to farmer boys of the frontier. He received a common school education, which was supplemented by hard study, general reading and extensive travel in the United States, Europe and Mexico. His mother died in 1840 and his father in 1855, and in the latter years he moved to Little Rock and continued a resident of this city throughout his life, becoming in later years a prominent figure in its social and business circles.
Joined the Confederate Army.
At the breaking out of the civil war Mr. Fletcher became a member of the Capital Guards, an organization composed of young men of Little Rock, and continued with that company until the close of the war. The company was commanded by Capt. Gordon. Peay, who was afterward promoted in the coloneley of the regiment to which the Capital Guards belonged, and in addition to Mr. Fletcher numbered among its members Charles F. Penzel, Peter Hotze, W. C. Ratcliffe and Jonathan Kellogg, all of whom are living and are prominent citizens of Little Rock. Mr. Fletcher enlisted as a private, was afterward elected first lieutenant, and upon the promotion of Capt. Peay was made captain of the company. He took part in the capture of the United States arsenal at Little Rock in February, 1861, and the capture of the fort at Fort Smith the following April, and continued in the state service in northeastern Arkansas and southeast Missouri until the summer of 1861, when his command was transferred to the Confederate army under Gen. W. J. Hardee. He took part in the operations of Gen. Hardee's brigade and was with Gen. Bragg's army around Chattanooga and at the battle of Perryville, Kentucky. After his regiment was transferred to Liddle's brigade it was in the thickest of the brigade at Murfreesboro, Tennessee, where he received special mention for gallant conduct on the field. On the last day of December, 1862, he was severely wounded, and was captured by the enemy. He remained in the hospital until the following April, when he was sent to Fort McHenry, at Baltimore, Maryland, and there held until the summer, when he was exchanged at City Point. He was granted a sixty days' furlong, which he spent at home, rejoining his command at Chickamauga station in September, 1863. On the 19th and 20th of that month he participated in the battle of Chickamauga, which was his last active service on the field. Soon after this battle he was relieved from active duty, owning to his physical condition, and placed upon the general court martial of the Army of Tennessee, which held its sessions at Atlanta, and later at Macon, Georgia, where he surrendered April 26, 1865.
Identified With Business Interests.
After the war Mr. Fletcher returned to Little Rock and became associated with Peter Hotze in the mercantile and cotton business. They continued in partnership until a few years ago, when the firm was dissolved. The firm of Fletcher & Hotze was one of the most prominent in Arkansas, and as the result of the partnership both of the members of the firm amassed considerable wealth. Although Col. has been out of the active cotton business for some years, he continued to manifest great interest in the product. He was always extremely well informed as to the condition of the staple, and his opinion as to the sizes of the crops were always given attention by cotton factors. Col. Fletcher and Mr. Hotze were both members of the New York Cotton Exchange, and were among the few citizens of Arkansas allied with that institution. The firm of Fletcher & Hotze acquired a great amount of business property in Little Rock, and in Main street holdings Col. Fletcher probably exceeded any person in Little Rock.
On September 4, 1877, Col. Fletcher was married to Miss Adolphine Krause, and he is survived by his wife and three children. The eldest of the children is a daughter, Miss Adolphine Fletcher, and the next is a son, John G. Fletcher Jr., aged about 18, who is now a student at Harvard University. The youngest child is a daughter, Miss Mary Fletcher, aged about 14. For a number of years Col. Fletcher lived at Fourteenth and Scott streets, the former residence of ex-Attorney General A. H. Garland. Several years ago he purchased property at Seventh and Rock streets and lived there until his death. The residence was formerly occupied by Gen. Albert Pike, and is noted as one of the most typical of Southern homes.
Prominent in Public Life.
Col. Fletcher was always prominent in Arkansas politics, and was three times a candidate for the Democratic nomination for governor of the state. In the seventies he was a member of the City Council of Little Rock, and from 1875 until 1881, three terms, served as mayor of the city of Little Rock. During his service as mayor many important matters came up for consideration, and he did much to put the city on a firm basis after the carpetbag regime. In 1882 he was elected sheriff of Pulaski county and served one term.
In 1884 he made his first race fo the nomination of governor, but was defeated by Simon P. Hughes. In 1888 he was again a candidate, in company with Governor Hughes, James P. Eagle, W. M. Fishback and E. W. Rector. The Democratic nomination convention was deadlocked almost a week in making a nomination for governor, and the race was one of the most memorable in the history of Arkansas politics. Col. Fletcher started into the convention with the greatest number of instructed delegates, and on several ballots received the highest number of votes. After balloting for several days without issue the convention finally nominated James P. Eagle of Lonoke county. The name of Col. Fletcher was finally withdrawn, but Saline county, in which he was born, cast its four votes for him even after his name had been dropped. Judge B. B. Hudgins, who is now a member of the Railroad Commission of Arkansas, was chairman of the convention. In 1900 Col. Fletcher again offered as a candidate for the nomination for governor, but withdrew from the race some time before the convention was held. He was delegate several times to the national Democratic conventions, and was always prominently identified with the party in Arkansas.
While serving as sheriff in 1884 Col. Fletcher was elected president of the German National bank and afterward gave the greater part of his time to the duties of that position, which he held until his death. He was prominent in banking circles and in 1900 was honored by the Arkansas Bankers' Association with the office of president. He attended many of the conventions of the National Association of Bankers and last fall was one of the prominent delegates to the meeting of that organization in Washington.
Devotion to War Comrades.
Ever since the war Col. Fletcher has been a warm friend of his old comrades who wore the gray, and is gratefully remembered as one of the organizers of the Confederate Home at Sweet Home, and served as president of the Board of Trustees of that institution from its organization until his death. During one years, including the general reunion at Houston, Texas, he had the honor of commanding the Arkansas division, with the rank of major general, and has always since the founding of that patriotic order contributed to its advancement.
When the fund was started for the building of the Confederate monument which was unveiled last June, Col. Fletcher was made its treasurer, and he contributed liberally to that cause, as he did to many other worthy causes.
He was president of the Arkansas Fire Insurance Company during the 12 years of its existence and at the time of his death was president of the Home Mutual Building and Loan Association and president of the Board of Control of the Masonic temple of Arkansas.
A military company formed in Little Rock about 14 years ago was called the Fletcher Rifles in honor of Col. Fletcher, who equipped the company with uniforms and arms. The name of the company was afterward changed to the Fletcher Zouazes, and it participated in a number of the interstate drills held throughout the country.
Early in life Col.. Fletcher became a member of the Masonic order and became prominently connected with Masonry in this state. He was a member of Magnolia Lodge, F.&A.M., of Union Chapter, R.A.M., and Hugh de Payens Commandery, Knights Templar. He was one of the Board of Trustees of St. John's College, under the direction of which the Masonic temple at the corner of Fifth and Main streets was built in 1892. The only surviving members of that board are Fay Hempstead and Ben S. Johnson, both of this city.
Col. Fletcher's brothers were Thomas Fletcher, United States Marshall for the eastern district of Arkansas during the first administration of President Cleveland; Henry Lewis Fletcher, mayor of Little Rock from 1891 to 1893; Frank, Lindsey and Jefferson Fletcher. The last named, who is the only surviving member of the family, is a well-known planter.
Tribute from U.C.V. Leader.
Gen. N. T. Roberts of Pine Bluff, commanding the Arkansas division, United Confederate Veterans, was in the city yesterday and when he learned of Col. Fletcher's death he caused the issuance of the following:
Little Rock, Ark., Jan. 31, 1906.
Special Order No. 1:
First. It is with profound sorrow that I have to announce to the Arkansas division of United Confederate Veterans the sudden death of our honored and beloved comrade and ex-division commander, John G. Fletcher, of Little Rock,, at an early hour of this date. Gen. Fletcher was the first commander of the Arkansas division after the organization of United Confederate Veterans, and was the commander at the reunion held in Houston, Texas, in 1894. Gen. Fletcher was one of the conspicuous soldiers and officers in the Confederate service from Arkansas in the Sixth Arkansas Infantry, and none was more faithful to duty or was more greatly respected for bravery and heroism. Over 50 years of citizenship in Little Rock has found him always among the most active, liberal and progressive among our citizens. In the commercial and financial world he was perhaps the most conspicuous and influential of all Arkansans. John G. Fletcher's name is a part of the history of Arkansas. To all Arkansans, and particularly Arkansas soldiers, he needs no encomiums at my hands.
Second. All staff officers who are at present appointed on my staff, and all staff officers who served on his staff and the staff of any other ex-commander of this division, are requested to attend the funeral.
Third. All past major and brigadier generals of the United Confederate Veterans are required to attend the obsequies, in uniform, with the insignia of their rank, and participate in conferring the last honors upon this distinguished citizen and solider.
Fourth. All Confederate soldiers belonging to the local camp, or any other state camp, are requested to attend the funeral, and as many as can in uniform. The local papers will designate the time of the funeral. By order of N. T. Roberts, Major General Commanding Division.
John S. Bell, Adjutant General and Chief of Staff.
Mayor's Proclamation.
The following proclamation was issued from the mayor's office yesterday:
Little Rock, January 31, 1906.
Death having claimed Col. John G. Fletcher, a noble and patriotic citizen of our state and city, at one time the mayor of Little Rock, I hereby issue proclamation lamenting his untimely death, and hereby order that the City Hall building be closed during the hours of his funeral, Friday, February 2, at 3:30 p.m., out of respect to his memory. W. E. Lenon, Mayor. [from the Arkansas Gazette, Thursday, February 1, 1906, page 1 and 2]
He was president of the German National Bank and, in 1909, was elected president of the Arkansas Banking Association.
~~~~
John G. Fletcher Expires Suddenly
Death Occurred at His Home in Little Rock in the Early Morning and Is Attributed to Heart Failure
Long and Busy Career Ended
Born in Arkansas More than 75 Years ago, Had Resided in the State All His Life - Was Widely Known.
Col. John G. Fletcher, one of the most prominent and influential citizens of Arkansas and a resident within its borders during his entire lifetime of more than 75 years, died suddenly yesterday morning at 5:10 o'clock at his residence on Seventh and Rock streets. His death was due to heart failure, and the announcement of his sudden taking off created the greatest surprise among his number of friends in Little Rock and throughout the state.
Col. Fletcher had not complained in the slightest of feeling ill until but a few minutes before his death. Despite his age, he possessed the activity of a man several years his junior, and was at his office at the German National Bank as usual Tuesday. He attended to his affairs of business as customary throughout the day and retired at about his usual time Tuesday night. A few minutes before 5 o'clock yesterday morning he awoke and arose and got himself a glass of water. After returning to his bed he complained of a pain in his chest, and it was feared by his family that an attack of pneumonia, with which he was threatened some time since, was at hand. Dr. L. P. Gibson, who lives but a square from Col. Fletcher's residence, was summoned, and upon his arrival at Col. Fletcher's beside he found the patient suffering considerably. While he was preparing to inject an opiate to afford relief Col. Fletcher suddenly expired. The cause of his death was attributed to heart failure. The funeral will be held Friday afternoon at 4 o'clock from Christ Episcopal church, Fifth and Scott streets.
His Long and Busy Life.
Col. Fletcher was a member of a family of six brothers, all of whom were prominently identified with Arkansas and its history. His father was Henry Lewis Fletcher of Tennessee and his mother was Miss Mary Lindsay of Kentucky. Five years before the colony of Arkansas was organized they left Kentucky to seek homes in the Louisiana Purchase, and settled what is now Randolph county, Arkansas. They lived there until 1825, when they removed to what was then part of Pulaski county, but is now Saline county, where John G. Fletcher was born January 8, 1931. Until he was 24 years of age his life was spent in the work incident to farmer boys of the frontier. He received a common school education, which was supplemented by hard study, general reading and extensive travel in the United States, Europe and Mexico. His mother died in 1840 and his father in 1855, and in the latter years he moved to Little Rock and continued a resident of this city throughout his life, becoming in later years a prominent figure in its social and business circles.
Joined the Confederate Army.
At the breaking out of the civil war Mr. Fletcher became a member of the Capital Guards, an organization composed of young men of Little Rock, and continued with that company until the close of the war. The company was commanded by Capt. Gordon. Peay, who was afterward promoted in the coloneley of the regiment to which the Capital Guards belonged, and in addition to Mr. Fletcher numbered among its members Charles F. Penzel, Peter Hotze, W. C. Ratcliffe and Jonathan Kellogg, all of whom are living and are prominent citizens of Little Rock. Mr. Fletcher enlisted as a private, was afterward elected first lieutenant, and upon the promotion of Capt. Peay was made captain of the company. He took part in the capture of the United States arsenal at Little Rock in February, 1861, and the capture of the fort at Fort Smith the following April, and continued in the state service in northeastern Arkansas and southeast Missouri until the summer of 1861, when his command was transferred to the Confederate army under Gen. W. J. Hardee. He took part in the operations of Gen. Hardee's brigade and was with Gen. Bragg's army around Chattanooga and at the battle of Perryville, Kentucky. After his regiment was transferred to Liddle's brigade it was in the thickest of the brigade at Murfreesboro, Tennessee, where he received special mention for gallant conduct on the field. On the last day of December, 1862, he was severely wounded, and was captured by the enemy. He remained in the hospital until the following April, when he was sent to Fort McHenry, at Baltimore, Maryland, and there held until the summer, when he was exchanged at City Point. He was granted a sixty days' furlong, which he spent at home, rejoining his command at Chickamauga station in September, 1863. On the 19th and 20th of that month he participated in the battle of Chickamauga, which was his last active service on the field. Soon after this battle he was relieved from active duty, owning to his physical condition, and placed upon the general court martial of the Army of Tennessee, which held its sessions at Atlanta, and later at Macon, Georgia, where he surrendered April 26, 1865.
Identified With Business Interests.
After the war Mr. Fletcher returned to Little Rock and became associated with Peter Hotze in the mercantile and cotton business. They continued in partnership until a few years ago, when the firm was dissolved. The firm of Fletcher & Hotze was one of the most prominent in Arkansas, and as the result of the partnership both of the members of the firm amassed considerable wealth. Although Col. has been out of the active cotton business for some years, he continued to manifest great interest in the product. He was always extremely well informed as to the condition of the staple, and his opinion as to the sizes of the crops were always given attention by cotton factors. Col. Fletcher and Mr. Hotze were both members of the New York Cotton Exchange, and were among the few citizens of Arkansas allied with that institution. The firm of Fletcher & Hotze acquired a great amount of business property in Little Rock, and in Main street holdings Col. Fletcher probably exceeded any person in Little Rock.
On September 4, 1877, Col. Fletcher was married to Miss Adolphine Krause, and he is survived by his wife and three children. The eldest of the children is a daughter, Miss Adolphine Fletcher, and the next is a son, John G. Fletcher Jr., aged about 18, who is now a student at Harvard University. The youngest child is a daughter, Miss Mary Fletcher, aged about 14. For a number of years Col. Fletcher lived at Fourteenth and Scott streets, the former residence of ex-Attorney General A. H. Garland. Several years ago he purchased property at Seventh and Rock streets and lived there until his death. The residence was formerly occupied by Gen. Albert Pike, and is noted as one of the most typical of Southern homes.
Prominent in Public Life.
Col. Fletcher was always prominent in Arkansas politics, and was three times a candidate for the Democratic nomination for governor of the state. In the seventies he was a member of the City Council of Little Rock, and from 1875 until 1881, three terms, served as mayor of the city of Little Rock. During his service as mayor many important matters came up for consideration, and he did much to put the city on a firm basis after the carpetbag regime. In 1882 he was elected sheriff of Pulaski county and served one term.
In 1884 he made his first race fo the nomination of governor, but was defeated by Simon P. Hughes. In 1888 he was again a candidate, in company with Governor Hughes, James P. Eagle, W. M. Fishback and E. W. Rector. The Democratic nomination convention was deadlocked almost a week in making a nomination for governor, and the race was one of the most memorable in the history of Arkansas politics. Col. Fletcher started into the convention with the greatest number of instructed delegates, and on several ballots received the highest number of votes. After balloting for several days without issue the convention finally nominated James P. Eagle of Lonoke county. The name of Col. Fletcher was finally withdrawn, but Saline county, in which he was born, cast its four votes for him even after his name had been dropped. Judge B. B. Hudgins, who is now a member of the Railroad Commission of Arkansas, was chairman of the convention. In 1900 Col. Fletcher again offered as a candidate for the nomination for governor, but withdrew from the race some time before the convention was held. He was delegate several times to the national Democratic conventions, and was always prominently identified with the party in Arkansas.
While serving as sheriff in 1884 Col. Fletcher was elected president of the German National bank and afterward gave the greater part of his time to the duties of that position, which he held until his death. He was prominent in banking circles and in 1900 was honored by the Arkansas Bankers' Association with the office of president. He attended many of the conventions of the National Association of Bankers and last fall was one of the prominent delegates to the meeting of that organization in Washington.
Devotion to War Comrades.
Ever since the war Col. Fletcher has been a warm friend of his old comrades who wore the gray, and is gratefully remembered as one of the organizers of the Confederate Home at Sweet Home, and served as president of the Board of Trustees of that institution from its organization until his death. During one years, including the general reunion at Houston, Texas, he had the honor of commanding the Arkansas division, with the rank of major general, and has always since the founding of that patriotic order contributed to its advancement.
When the fund was started for the building of the Confederate monument which was unveiled last June, Col. Fletcher was made its treasurer, and he contributed liberally to that cause, as he did to many other worthy causes.
He was president of the Arkansas Fire Insurance Company during the 12 years of its existence and at the time of his death was president of the Home Mutual Building and Loan Association and president of the Board of Control of the Masonic temple of Arkansas.
A military company formed in Little Rock about 14 years ago was called the Fletcher Rifles in honor of Col. Fletcher, who equipped the company with uniforms and arms. The name of the company was afterward changed to the Fletcher Zouazes, and it participated in a number of the interstate drills held throughout the country.
Early in life Col.. Fletcher became a member of the Masonic order and became prominently connected with Masonry in this state. He was a member of Magnolia Lodge, F.&A.M., of Union Chapter, R.A.M., and Hugh de Payens Commandery, Knights Templar. He was one of the Board of Trustees of St. John's College, under the direction of which the Masonic temple at the corner of Fifth and Main streets was built in 1892. The only surviving members of that board are Fay Hempstead and Ben S. Johnson, both of this city.
Col. Fletcher's brothers were Thomas Fletcher, United States Marshall for the eastern district of Arkansas during the first administration of President Cleveland; Henry Lewis Fletcher, mayor of Little Rock from 1891 to 1893; Frank, Lindsey and Jefferson Fletcher. The last named, who is the only surviving member of the family, is a well-known planter.
Tribute from U.C.V. Leader.
Gen. N. T. Roberts of Pine Bluff, commanding the Arkansas division, United Confederate Veterans, was in the city yesterday and when he learned of Col. Fletcher's death he caused the issuance of the following:
Little Rock, Ark., Jan. 31, 1906.
Special Order No. 1:
First. It is with profound sorrow that I have to announce to the Arkansas division of United Confederate Veterans the sudden death of our honored and beloved comrade and ex-division commander, John G. Fletcher, of Little Rock,, at an early hour of this date. Gen. Fletcher was the first commander of the Arkansas division after the organization of United Confederate Veterans, and was the commander at the reunion held in Houston, Texas, in 1894. Gen. Fletcher was one of the conspicuous soldiers and officers in the Confederate service from Arkansas in the Sixth Arkansas Infantry, and none was more faithful to duty or was more greatly respected for bravery and heroism. Over 50 years of citizenship in Little Rock has found him always among the most active, liberal and progressive among our citizens. In the commercial and financial world he was perhaps the most conspicuous and influential of all Arkansans. John G. Fletcher's name is a part of the history of Arkansas. To all Arkansans, and particularly Arkansas soldiers, he needs no encomiums at my hands.
Second. All staff officers who are at present appointed on my staff, and all staff officers who served on his staff and the staff of any other ex-commander of this division, are requested to attend the funeral.
Third. All past major and brigadier generals of the United Confederate Veterans are required to attend the obsequies, in uniform, with the insignia of their rank, and participate in conferring the last honors upon this distinguished citizen and solider.
Fourth. All Confederate soldiers belonging to the local camp, or any other state camp, are requested to attend the funeral, and as many as can in uniform. The local papers will designate the time of the funeral. By order of N. T. Roberts, Major General Commanding Division.
John S. Bell, Adjutant General and Chief of Staff.
Mayor's Proclamation.
The following proclamation was issued from the mayor's office yesterday:
Little Rock, January 31, 1906.
Death having claimed Col. John G. Fletcher, a noble and patriotic citizen of our state and city, at one time the mayor of Little Rock, I hereby issue proclamation lamenting his untimely death, and hereby order that the City Hall building be closed during the hours of his funeral, Friday, February 2, at 3:30 p.m., out of respect to his memory. W. E. Lenon, Mayor. [from the Arkansas Gazette, Thursday, February 1, 1906, page 1 and 2]
Military service: June 3, 1861, Captain, age 30, Capital Guards; elected May 8, 1862; severely wounded in thigh at Murfreesboro, Tennessee, December 31, 1862; 6th Arkansas Infantry Co A
He was president of the German National Bank and, in 1909, was elected president of the Arkansas Banking Association.
~~~~
John G. Fletcher Expires Suddenly
Death Occurred at His Home in Little Rock in the Early Morning and Is Attributed to Heart Failure
Long and Busy Career Ended
Born in Arkansas More than 75 Years ago, Had Resided in the State All His Life - Was Widely Known.
Col. John G. Fletcher, one of the most prominent and influential citizens of Arkansas and a resident within its borders during his entire lifetime of more than 75 years, died suddenly yesterday morning at 5:10 o'clock at his residence on Seventh and Rock streets. His death was due to heart failure, and the announcement of his sudden taking off created the greatest surprise among his number of friends in Little Rock and throughout the state.
Col. Fletcher had not complained in the slightest of feeling ill until but a few minutes before his death. Despite his age, he possessed the activity of a man several years his junior, and was at his office at the German National Bank as usual Tuesday. He attended to his affairs of business as customary throughout the day and retired at about his usual time Tuesday night. A few minutes before 5 o'clock yesterday morning he awoke and arose and got himself a glass of water. After returning to his bed he complained of a pain in his chest, and it was feared by his family that an attack of pneumonia, with which he was threatened some time since, was at hand. Dr. L. P. Gibson, who lives but a square from Col. Fletcher's residence, was summoned, and upon his arrival at Col. Fletcher's beside he found the patient suffering considerably. While he was preparing to inject an opiate to afford relief Col. Fletcher suddenly expired. The cause of his death was attributed to heart failure. The funeral will be held Friday afternoon at 4 o'clock from Christ Episcopal church, Fifth and Scott streets.
His Long and Busy Life.
Col. Fletcher was a member of a family of six brothers, all of whom were prominently identified with Arkansas and its history. His father was Henry Lewis Fletcher of Tennessee and his mother was Miss Mary Lindsay of Kentucky. Five years before the colony of Arkansas was organized they left Kentucky to seek homes in the Louisiana Purchase, and settled what is now Randolph county, Arkansas. They lived there until 1825, when they removed to what was then part of Pulaski county, but is now Saline county, where John G. Fletcher was born January 8, 1931. Until he was 24 years of age his life was spent in the work incident to farmer boys of the frontier. He received a common school education, which was supplemented by hard study, general reading and extensive travel in the United States, Europe and Mexico. His mother died in 1840 and his father in 1855, and in the latter years he moved to Little Rock and continued a resident of this city throughout his life, becoming in later years a prominent figure in its social and business circles.
Joined the Confederate Army.
At the breaking out of the civil war Mr. Fletcher became a member of the Capital Guards, an organization composed of young men of Little Rock, and continued with that company until the close of the war. The company was commanded by Capt. Gordon. Peay, who was afterward promoted in the coloneley of the regiment to which the Capital Guards belonged, and in addition to Mr. Fletcher numbered among its members Charles F. Penzel, Peter Hotze, W. C. Ratcliffe and Jonathan Kellogg, all of whom are living and are prominent citizens of Little Rock. Mr. Fletcher enlisted as a private, was afterward elected first lieutenant, and upon the promotion of Capt. Peay was made captain of the company. He took part in the capture of the United States arsenal at Little Rock in February, 1861, and the capture of the fort at Fort Smith the following April, and continued in the state service in northeastern Arkansas and southeast Missouri until the summer of 1861, when his command was transferred to the Confederate army under Gen. W. J. Hardee. He took part in the operations of Gen. Hardee's brigade and was with Gen. Bragg's army around Chattanooga and at the battle of Perryville, Kentucky. After his regiment was transferred to Liddle's brigade it was in the thickest of the brigade at Murfreesboro, Tennessee, where he received special mention for gallant conduct on the field. On the last day of December, 1862, he was severely wounded, and was captured by the enemy. He remained in the hospital until the following April, when he was sent to Fort McHenry, at Baltimore, Maryland, and there held until the summer, when he was exchanged at City Point. He was granted a sixty days' furlong, which he spent at home, rejoining his command at Chickamauga station in September, 1863. On the 19th and 20th of that month he participated in the battle of Chickamauga, which was his last active service on the field. Soon after this battle he was relieved from active duty, owning to his physical condition, and placed upon the general court martial of the Army of Tennessee, which held its sessions at Atlanta, and later at Macon, Georgia, where he surrendered April 26, 1865.
Identified With Business Interests.
After the war Mr. Fletcher returned to Little Rock and became associated with Peter Hotze in the mercantile and cotton business. They continued in partnership until a few years ago, when the firm was dissolved. The firm of Fletcher & Hotze was one of the most prominent in Arkansas, and as the result of the partnership both of the members of the firm amassed considerable wealth. Although Col. has been out of the active cotton business for some years, he continued to manifest great interest in the product. He was always extremely well informed as to the condition of the staple, and his opinion as to the sizes of the crops were always given attention by cotton factors. Col. Fletcher and Mr. Hotze were both members of the New York Cotton Exchange, and were among the few citizens of Arkansas allied with that institution. The firm of Fletcher & Hotze acquired a great amount of business property in Little Rock, and in Main street holdings Col. Fletcher probably exceeded any person in Little Rock.
On September 4, 1877, Col. Fletcher was married to Miss Adolphine Krause, and he is survived by his wife and three children. The eldest of the children is a daughter, Miss Adolphine Fletcher, and the next is a son, John G. Fletcher Jr., aged about 18, who is now a student at Harvard University. The youngest child is a daughter, Miss Mary Fletcher, aged about 14. For a number of years Col. Fletcher lived at Fourteenth and Scott streets, the former residence of ex-Attorney General A. H. Garland. Several years ago he purchased property at Seventh and Rock streets and lived there until his death. The residence was formerly occupied by Gen. Albert Pike, and is noted as one of the most typical of Southern homes.
Prominent in Public Life.
Col. Fletcher was always prominent in Arkansas politics, and was three times a candidate for the Democratic nomination for governor of the state. In the seventies he was a member of the City Council of Little Rock, and from 1875 until 1881, three terms, served as mayor of the city of Little Rock. During his service as mayor many important matters came up for consideration, and he did much to put the city on a firm basis after the carpetbag regime. In 1882 he was elected sheriff of Pulaski county and served one term.
In 1884 he made his first race fo the nomination of governor, but was defeated by Simon P. Hughes. In 1888 he was again a candidate, in company with Governor Hughes, James P. Eagle, W. M. Fishback and E. W. Rector. The Democratic nomination convention was deadlocked almost a week in making a nomination for governor, and the race was one of the most memorable in the history of Arkansas politics. Col. Fletcher started into the convention with the greatest number of instructed delegates, and on several ballots received the highest number of votes. After balloting for several days without issue the convention finally nominated James P. Eagle of Lonoke county. The name of Col. Fletcher was finally withdrawn, but Saline county, in which he was born, cast its four votes for him even after his name had been dropped. Judge B. B. Hudgins, who is now a member of the Railroad Commission of Arkansas, was chairman of the convention. In 1900 Col. Fletcher again offered as a candidate for the nomination for governor, but withdrew from the race some time before the convention was held. He was delegate several times to the national Democratic conventions, and was always prominently identified with the party in Arkansas.
While serving as sheriff in 1884 Col. Fletcher was elected president of the German National bank and afterward gave the greater part of his time to the duties of that position, which he held until his death. He was prominent in banking circles and in 1900 was honored by the Arkansas Bankers' Association with the office of president. He attended many of the conventions of the National Association of Bankers and last fall was one of the prominent delegates to the meeting of that organization in Washington.
Devotion to War Comrades.
Ever since the war Col. Fletcher has been a warm friend of his old comrades who wore the gray, and is gratefully remembered as one of the organizers of the Confederate Home at Sweet Home, and served as president of the Board of Trustees of that institution from its organization until his death. During one years, including the general reunion at Houston, Texas, he had the honor of commanding the Arkansas division, with the rank of major general, and has always since the founding of that patriotic order contributed to its advancement.
When the fund was started for the building of the Confederate monument which was unveiled last June, Col. Fletcher was made its treasurer, and he contributed liberally to that cause, as he did to many other worthy causes.
He was president of the Arkansas Fire Insurance Company during the 12 years of its existence and at the time of his death was president of the Home Mutual Building and Loan Association and president of the Board of Control of the Masonic temple of Arkansas.
A military company formed in Little Rock about 14 years ago was called the Fletcher Rifles in honor of Col. Fletcher, who equipped the company with uniforms and arms. The name of the company was afterward changed to the Fletcher Zouazes, and it participated in a number of the interstate drills held throughout the country.
Early in life Col.. Fletcher became a member of the Masonic order and became prominently connected with Masonry in this state. He was a member of Magnolia Lodge, F.&A.M., of Union Chapter, R.A.M., and Hugh de Payens Commandery, Knights Templar. He was one of the Board of Trustees of St. John's College, under the direction of which the Masonic temple at the corner of Fifth and Main streets was built in 1892. The only surviving members of that board are Fay Hempstead and Ben S. Johnson, both of this city.
Col. Fletcher's brothers were Thomas Fletcher, United States Marshall for the eastern district of Arkansas during the first administration of President Cleveland; Henry Lewis Fletcher, mayor of Little Rock from 1891 to 1893; Frank, Lindsey and Jefferson Fletcher. The last named, who is the only surviving member of the family, is a well-known planter.
Tribute from U.C.V. Leader.
Gen. N. T. Roberts of Pine Bluff, commanding the Arkansas division, United Confederate Veterans, was in the city yesterday and when he learned of Col. Fletcher's death he caused the issuance of the following:
Little Rock, Ark., Jan. 31, 1906.
Special Order No. 1:
First. It is with profound sorrow that I have to announce to the Arkansas division of United Confederate Veterans the sudden death of our honored and beloved comrade and ex-division commander, John G. Fletcher, of Little Rock,, at an early hour of this date. Gen. Fletcher was the first commander of the Arkansas division after the organization of United Confederate Veterans, and was the commander at the reunion held in Houston, Texas, in 1894. Gen. Fletcher was one of the conspicuous soldiers and officers in the Confederate service from Arkansas in the Sixth Arkansas Infantry, and none was more faithful to duty or was more greatly respected for bravery and heroism. Over 50 years of citizenship in Little Rock has found him always among the most active, liberal and progressive among our citizens. In the commercial and financial world he was perhaps the most conspicuous and influential of all Arkansans. John G. Fletcher's name is a part of the history of Arkansas. To all Arkansans, and particularly Arkansas soldiers, he needs no encomiums at my hands.
Second. All staff officers who are at present appointed on my staff, and all staff officers who served on his staff and the staff of any other ex-commander of this division, are requested to attend the funeral.
Third. All past major and brigadier generals of the United Confederate Veterans are required to attend the obsequies, in uniform, with the insignia of their rank, and participate in conferring the last honors upon this distinguished citizen and solider.
Fourth. All Confederate soldiers belonging to the local camp, or any other state camp, are requested to attend the funeral, and as many as can in uniform. The local papers will designate the time of the funeral. By order of N. T. Roberts, Major General Commanding Division.
John S. Bell, Adjutant General and Chief of Staff.
Mayor's Proclamation.
The following proclamation was issued from the mayor's office yesterday:
Little Rock, January 31, 1906.
Death having claimed Col. John G. Fletcher, a noble and patriotic citizen of our state and city, at one time the mayor of Little Rock, I hereby issue proclamation lamenting his untimely death, and hereby order that the City Hall building be closed during the hours of his funeral, Friday, February 2, at 3:30 p.m., out of respect to his memory. W. E. Lenon, Mayor. [from the Arkansas Gazette, Thursday, February 1, 1906, page 1 and 2]
He was president of the German National Bank and, in 1909, was elected president of the Arkansas Banking Association.
~~~~
John G. Fletcher Expires Suddenly
Death Occurred at His Home in Little Rock in the Early Morning and Is Attributed to Heart Failure
Long and Busy Career Ended
Born in Arkansas More than 75 Years ago, Had Resided in the State All His Life - Was Widely Known.
Col. John G. Fletcher, one of the most prominent and influential citizens of Arkansas and a resident within its borders during his entire lifetime of more than 75 years, died suddenly yesterday morning at 5:10 o'clock at his residence on Seventh and Rock streets. His death was due to heart failure, and the announcement of his sudden taking off created the greatest surprise among his number of friends in Little Rock and throughout the state.
Col. Fletcher had not complained in the slightest of feeling ill until but a few minutes before his death. Despite his age, he possessed the activity of a man several years his junior, and was at his office at the German National Bank as usual Tuesday. He attended to his affairs of business as customary throughout the day and retired at about his usual time Tuesday night. A few minutes before 5 o'clock yesterday morning he awoke and arose and got himself a glass of water. After returning to his bed he complained of a pain in his chest, and it was feared by his family that an attack of pneumonia, with which he was threatened some time since, was at hand. Dr. L. P. Gibson, who lives but a square from Col. Fletcher's residence, was summoned, and upon his arrival at Col. Fletcher's beside he found the patient suffering considerably. While he was preparing to inject an opiate to afford relief Col. Fletcher suddenly expired. The cause of his death was attributed to heart failure. The funeral will be held Friday afternoon at 4 o'clock from Christ Episcopal church, Fifth and Scott streets.
His Long and Busy Life.
Col. Fletcher was a member of a family of six brothers, all of whom were prominently identified with Arkansas and its history. His father was Henry Lewis Fletcher of Tennessee and his mother was Miss Mary Lindsay of Kentucky. Five years before the colony of Arkansas was organized they left Kentucky to seek homes in the Louisiana Purchase, and settled what is now Randolph county, Arkansas. They lived there until 1825, when they removed to what was then part of Pulaski county, but is now Saline county, where John G. Fletcher was born January 8, 1931. Until he was 24 years of age his life was spent in the work incident to farmer boys of the frontier. He received a common school education, which was supplemented by hard study, general reading and extensive travel in the United States, Europe and Mexico. His mother died in 1840 and his father in 1855, and in the latter years he moved to Little Rock and continued a resident of this city throughout his life, becoming in later years a prominent figure in its social and business circles.
Joined the Confederate Army.
At the breaking out of the civil war Mr. Fletcher became a member of the Capital Guards, an organization composed of young men of Little Rock, and continued with that company until the close of the war. The company was commanded by Capt. Gordon. Peay, who was afterward promoted in the coloneley of the regiment to which the Capital Guards belonged, and in addition to Mr. Fletcher numbered among its members Charles F. Penzel, Peter Hotze, W. C. Ratcliffe and Jonathan Kellogg, all of whom are living and are prominent citizens of Little Rock. Mr. Fletcher enlisted as a private, was afterward elected first lieutenant, and upon the promotion of Capt. Peay was made captain of the company. He took part in the capture of the United States arsenal at Little Rock in February, 1861, and the capture of the fort at Fort Smith the following April, and continued in the state service in northeastern Arkansas and southeast Missouri until the summer of 1861, when his command was transferred to the Confederate army under Gen. W. J. Hardee. He took part in the operations of Gen. Hardee's brigade and was with Gen. Bragg's army around Chattanooga and at the battle of Perryville, Kentucky. After his regiment was transferred to Liddle's brigade it was in the thickest of the brigade at Murfreesboro, Tennessee, where he received special mention for gallant conduct on the field. On the last day of December, 1862, he was severely wounded, and was captured by the enemy. He remained in the hospital until the following April, when he was sent to Fort McHenry, at Baltimore, Maryland, and there held until the summer, when he was exchanged at City Point. He was granted a sixty days' furlong, which he spent at home, rejoining his command at Chickamauga station in September, 1863. On the 19th and 20th of that month he participated in the battle of Chickamauga, which was his last active service on the field. Soon after this battle he was relieved from active duty, owning to his physical condition, and placed upon the general court martial of the Army of Tennessee, which held its sessions at Atlanta, and later at Macon, Georgia, where he surrendered April 26, 1865.
Identified With Business Interests.
After the war Mr. Fletcher returned to Little Rock and became associated with Peter Hotze in the mercantile and cotton business. They continued in partnership until a few years ago, when the firm was dissolved. The firm of Fletcher & Hotze was one of the most prominent in Arkansas, and as the result of the partnership both of the members of the firm amassed considerable wealth. Although Col. has been out of the active cotton business for some years, he continued to manifest great interest in the product. He was always extremely well informed as to the condition of the staple, and his opinion as to the sizes of the crops were always given attention by cotton factors. Col. Fletcher and Mr. Hotze were both members of the New York Cotton Exchange, and were among the few citizens of Arkansas allied with that institution. The firm of Fletcher & Hotze acquired a great amount of business property in Little Rock, and in Main street holdings Col. Fletcher probably exceeded any person in Little Rock.
On September 4, 1877, Col. Fletcher was married to Miss Adolphine Krause, and he is survived by his wife and three children. The eldest of the children is a daughter, Miss Adolphine Fletcher, and the next is a son, John G. Fletcher Jr., aged about 18, who is now a student at Harvard University. The youngest child is a daughter, Miss Mary Fletcher, aged about 14. For a number of years Col. Fletcher lived at Fourteenth and Scott streets, the former residence of ex-Attorney General A. H. Garland. Several years ago he purchased property at Seventh and Rock streets and lived there until his death. The residence was formerly occupied by Gen. Albert Pike, and is noted as one of the most typical of Southern homes.
Prominent in Public Life.
Col. Fletcher was always prominent in Arkansas politics, and was three times a candidate for the Democratic nomination for governor of the state. In the seventies he was a member of the City Council of Little Rock, and from 1875 until 1881, three terms, served as mayor of the city of Little Rock. During his service as mayor many important matters came up for consideration, and he did much to put the city on a firm basis after the carpetbag regime. In 1882 he was elected sheriff of Pulaski county and served one term.
In 1884 he made his first race fo the nomination of governor, but was defeated by Simon P. Hughes. In 1888 he was again a candidate, in company with Governor Hughes, James P. Eagle, W. M. Fishback and E. W. Rector. The Democratic nomination convention was deadlocked almost a week in making a nomination for governor, and the race was one of the most memorable in the history of Arkansas politics. Col. Fletcher started into the convention with the greatest number of instructed delegates, and on several ballots received the highest number of votes. After balloting for several days without issue the convention finally nominated James P. Eagle of Lonoke county. The name of Col. Fletcher was finally withdrawn, but Saline county, in which he was born, cast its four votes for him even after his name had been dropped. Judge B. B. Hudgins, who is now a member of the Railroad Commission of Arkansas, was chairman of the convention. In 1900 Col. Fletcher again offered as a candidate for the nomination for governor, but withdrew from the race some time before the convention was held. He was delegate several times to the national Democratic conventions, and was always prominently identified with the party in Arkansas.
While serving as sheriff in 1884 Col. Fletcher was elected president of the German National bank and afterward gave the greater part of his time to the duties of that position, which he held until his death. He was prominent in banking circles and in 1900 was honored by the Arkansas Bankers' Association with the office of president. He attended many of the conventions of the National Association of Bankers and last fall was one of the prominent delegates to the meeting of that organization in Washington.
Devotion to War Comrades.
Ever since the war Col. Fletcher has been a warm friend of his old comrades who wore the gray, and is gratefully remembered as one of the organizers of the Confederate Home at Sweet Home, and served as president of the Board of Trustees of that institution from its organization until his death. During one years, including the general reunion at Houston, Texas, he had the honor of commanding the Arkansas division, with the rank of major general, and has always since the founding of that patriotic order contributed to its advancement.
When the fund was started for the building of the Confederate monument which was unveiled last June, Col. Fletcher was made its treasurer, and he contributed liberally to that cause, as he did to many other worthy causes.
He was president of the Arkansas Fire Insurance Company during the 12 years of its existence and at the time of his death was president of the Home Mutual Building and Loan Association and president of the Board of Control of the Masonic temple of Arkansas.
A military company formed in Little Rock about 14 years ago was called the Fletcher Rifles in honor of Col. Fletcher, who equipped the company with uniforms and arms. The name of the company was afterward changed to the Fletcher Zouazes, and it participated in a number of the interstate drills held throughout the country.
Early in life Col.. Fletcher became a member of the Masonic order and became prominently connected with Masonry in this state. He was a member of Magnolia Lodge, F.&A.M., of Union Chapter, R.A.M., and Hugh de Payens Commandery, Knights Templar. He was one of the Board of Trustees of St. John's College, under the direction of which the Masonic temple at the corner of Fifth and Main streets was built in 1892. The only surviving members of that board are Fay Hempstead and Ben S. Johnson, both of this city.
Col. Fletcher's brothers were Thomas Fletcher, United States Marshall for the eastern district of Arkansas during the first administration of President Cleveland; Henry Lewis Fletcher, mayor of Little Rock from 1891 to 1893; Frank, Lindsey and Jefferson Fletcher. The last named, who is the only surviving member of the family, is a well-known planter.
Tribute from U.C.V. Leader.
Gen. N. T. Roberts of Pine Bluff, commanding the Arkansas division, United Confederate Veterans, was in the city yesterday and when he learned of Col. Fletcher's death he caused the issuance of the following:
Little Rock, Ark., Jan. 31, 1906.
Special Order No. 1:
First. It is with profound sorrow that I have to announce to the Arkansas division of United Confederate Veterans the sudden death of our honored and beloved comrade and ex-division commander, John G. Fletcher, of Little Rock,, at an early hour of this date. Gen. Fletcher was the first commander of the Arkansas division after the organization of United Confederate Veterans, and was the commander at the reunion held in Houston, Texas, in 1894. Gen. Fletcher was one of the conspicuous soldiers and officers in the Confederate service from Arkansas in the Sixth Arkansas Infantry, and none was more faithful to duty or was more greatly respected for bravery and heroism. Over 50 years of citizenship in Little Rock has found him always among the most active, liberal and progressive among our citizens. In the commercial and financial world he was perhaps the most conspicuous and influential of all Arkansans. John G. Fletcher's name is a part of the history of Arkansas. To all Arkansans, and particularly Arkansas soldiers, he needs no encomiums at my hands.
Second. All staff officers who are at present appointed on my staff, and all staff officers who served on his staff and the staff of any other ex-commander of this division, are requested to attend the funeral.
Third. All past major and brigadier generals of the United Confederate Veterans are required to attend the obsequies, in uniform, with the insignia of their rank, and participate in conferring the last honors upon this distinguished citizen and solider.
Fourth. All Confederate soldiers belonging to the local camp, or any other state camp, are requested to attend the funeral, and as many as can in uniform. The local papers will designate the time of the funeral. By order of N. T. Roberts, Major General Commanding Division.
John S. Bell, Adjutant General and Chief of Staff.
Mayor's Proclamation.
The following proclamation was issued from the mayor's office yesterday:
Little Rock, January 31, 1906.
Death having claimed Col. John G. Fletcher, a noble and patriotic citizen of our state and city, at one time the mayor of Little Rock, I hereby issue proclamation lamenting his untimely death, and hereby order that the City Hall building be closed during the hours of his funeral, Friday, February 2, at 3:30 p.m., out of respect to his memory. W. E. Lenon, Mayor. [from the Arkansas Gazette, Thursday, February 1, 1906, page 1 and 2]
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