My Genealogy Hound

Hon. Thomas Fletcher, a retired merchant, and one of the most brilliant lawyers that ever practiced before the bar in Arkansas, as well as a pioneer of that State, was born in what is now Randolph County in the year 1819, and is a son of Henry Lewis and Mary (Lindsey) Fletcher, of Tennessee and Kentucky, respectively. The parents were married in Christian County, Ky., and in 1815 moved to what is now Randolph County. In 1825 they moved to that portion of Pulaski County which is now Saline, where the father died in 1840, and the mother followed him in 1856. He was one of the earliest settlers of Arkansas, and became one of its leading citizens and influential men. His father was John G. Fletcher, of Tennessee, who died in Lawrence County, Ark., in 1825, and his father-in-law, Caleb Lindsey, was a native of Christian County, Ky., and one of the earliest settlers of what is now Randolph County, Ark. Thomas Fletcher was the second child in a family of ten. He received a good common-school education in his youth, and on reaching his maturity began teaching school himself. On September 6, 1844, he was married to Lucinda, a daughter of Stephen Beaver, of Henderson County, Tenn., by whom he had a family of ten children, three daughters yet living. After his marriage he settled on a large farm in Owens Township, about fifteen miles west of Little Rock, where he resided until 1869, with the exception of two years, in which he served through the Civil War. Since then he has resided in Little Rock, and intends to make that city his future home for life. Mr. Fletcher is one of the largest land owners in Pulaski County, owning altogether about 2,500 acres. He has 1,000 acres in Owens Township that contain valuable copper, lead and silver deposits, which he is working to some extent, and from which he expects to realize considerable benefit in the near future. He also owns a granite quarry near Little Rock that has proved to be a good investment, and considerable business and residence property in that city. From 1858 to 1862, Mr. Fletcher served as sheriff of Pulaski County, and in 1862 was elected to the State legislature. In 1866 he was again elected sheriff, but after about twenty months’ service was legislated out. He was licensed to practice law and carry on a real estate business in 1868, continuing the latter occupation up to 1880. From November, 1885, to 1888, he was appointed United States Marshal for the eastern district of Arkansas, and the discharge of his duties while occupying that position, as well as all other public offices that he has held, gave universal satisfaction. Before the war Mr. Fletcher was a Whig, but since that event he has voted the Democratic ticket, and his support of that party has been as strong as it was valuable. He is a member of Magnolia Lodge No. 60, A. F. & A. M., at Little Rock, and the Agricultural Wheel. Mrs. Fletcher, who is a devout Christian lady and attends the church of that name, has been of considerable help to her husband, in his active life, by her good advice. Their sons: Henry Lewis (is a prominent planter), Richard (a cotton dealer) and John (who has adopted his father’s profession, is treading in the same path cut out by the older man, and is making a fine record in the law). All three of the sons reside in Little Rock, and are among its wealthiest and most prominent citizens. Mr. Fletcher is, perhaps, the best-known citizen of Pulaski County, not only through his wealth and influence, but from his brilliant and honorable political career, which has never been excelled by any man of either party.