Private IRVIN FLETCHER, Co. A, 86th Illinois
Irvin Fletcher was born c. 1835/36 in Berlin, Somersett County, Pennsylvania. It appears that Irvin was the son of Thomas Fletcher, who was born in Ireland c. January 2, 1803 in Ireland. According to a site found on familysearch.org, Thomas Fletcher was married to Jane Frazier on 3 September 1827 in Beaver, Pennsylvania. Jane was born in Ireland c. February 17, 1805/08.
Their children include;
1. William Fletcher, born May 27 1828 in Greene County, Pennsylvania. William was married to Nancy Stewart (1832 - 1919). William Fletcher died on July 23, 1922 in Cameron, Marshall County, West Virginia and his mortal remains were laid in the Fork Ridge Baptist Cemetery in Glen Easton, Marshall County, West Virginia. See his Find A Grave Memorial# 135369007.
2. Sarah I. Fletcher, born c. 1829/30 in Pennsylvania.
3. Mary A. Fletcher, born c. 1831/32 in Pennsylvania.
4. John Fletcher, born February 4, 1834 in Green County, Pennsylvania. John Fletcher was married to Nancy E. McBroom, of Jerusalem, Ohio, on February 14, 1865. Four children are believed to have been born to John and Nancy;
A. Eldora B. Fletcher, born c.1866/67 in West Virginia. On July 18, 1888 Eldora was married to James Murdock in Olathe, Johnson County, Kansas. No children are believed to have been born to them. They resided in Morse, Kansas for some time. At the time of the 1900 census, Eldora and James are found in Oxford Township, Johnson County, Kansas;
James Murdock Head M Sep 1863 37 Illinois
Dora B Murdock Wife F 34 West Virginia
Maud Inman Boarder F 25 Kansas
B. Margaret Fletcher, born c. 1870/71 in Kansas. Margaret was married to E. L. Crooks. They resided in Frederick, Oklahoma for some time.
C. Allie May Fletcher, born in 18__. Died at the age of 2 years and nine months.
D. Garfield Fletcher, born c. 1879/80 in Kansas.
In 1868, John and Nancy left West Virginia, heading west, where they settled in Johnson County, Kansas, where they homesteaded near Morse, Kansas. In 1878, John and Nancy took in an orphan nephew, Edmond Carl Flecther, who was born in 1868, and raised him as his son as well. At the time of the 1880 census, John and his family are found in Oxford, Johnson County, Kansas;
John Fletcher Self M 46 Pennsylvania
Nancy Fletcher Wife F 39 Virginia
Eldora Fletcher Daughter F 13 West Virginia
Margret Fletcher Daughter F 9 Kansas
Garfield Fletcher Son M 0 Kansas
Edmond C Fletcher Nephew M 12 Kansas
John Fletcher died on July 28, 1917 and his mortal remains were laid in the Pleasant Valley Cemetery in Stanley, Johnson County, Kansas. See his Find A Grave Memorial# 13672650.
5. Irvin Fletcher, born c. 1835/36 in Berlin, Somersett County, Pennsylvania. See his biography below.
6. Margaret Fletcher, born c. 1837/38 in Pennsylvania.
7. Abraham B. Fletcher, born August __, 1840 in Pennsylvania. Abraham B. Fletcher died on ____________ __, 1902 and his mortal remains were laid in the Rock Lick Cemetery in Marshall County, West Virginia. See his Find A Grave Memorial# 98569444.
8. Thomas Fletcher, born c. 1841/42 in Pennsylvania.
9. Joseph Fletcher (1847 - 1919). See his Find A Grave Memorial # 97666531.
10. Anna Elizabeth "Eliza" Fletcher, born Aug. 30, 1850 in Cameron, Marshall County, Virginia (now West Virginia). Anna was married to Theodore Pressley Buzzard. Anna died on Apr. 17, 1936 in Cameron, Marshall County, West Virginia of pneumonia due to influenza and her mortal remains were laid in the Cameron Cemetery in Cameron, Marshall County, West Virginia. See her Find A Grave Memorial# 112351844.
At the time of the 1850 census, the Fletchers are found in Marshall county, Virginia;
Thomas Fletcher M 47 Ireland
Jane Fletcher F 45 Ireland
Sarah I Fletcher F 20 Pennsylvania
Mary A Fletcher F 18 Pennsylvania
John Fletcher M 16 Pennsylvania
Irwin Fletcher M 14 Pennsylvania
Margaret Fletcher F 12 Pennsylvania
Abraham Fletcher M 10 Pennsylvania
Thomas Fletcher M 8 Pennsylvania
Elizabeth Fletcher F 6 Pennsylvania
Joseph Fletcher M 4 Pennsylvania
Thomas Fletcher died on April 2, 1851 in Cameron, Marshall County, Virginia (now West Virginia) at the age of 48 years and 3 months and his mortal remains were laid in the Fork Ridge Baptist Cemetery in Glen Easton, Marshall County, Virginia (now West Virginia). See his Find A Grave Memorial# 97515942.
At the time of the 1860 census, the Fletchers are found in Marshall County, Virginia;
Jame Fletcher F 52 Ireland
John Fletcher M 26 Pennsylvania
Irvin Fletcher M 24 Pennsylvania
Margaret Fletcher F 22 Pennsylvania
Abraham Fletcher M 20 Pennsylvania
Thomas Fletcher M 18 Pennsylvania
Elisabeth Fletcher F 15 Pennsylvania
Joseph H Fletcher M 13 Pennsylvania
Amee E Fletcher F 12 Virginia
Jane (Frazier) Fletcher died on September 26, 1889 in Cameron, Marshall County, West Virginia and her mortal remains were laid in the Fork Ridge Baptist Cemetery in Glen Easton, Marshall County, West Virginia as well. See her Find A Grave Memorial# 97511089.
Now to continue with the biography of Irvin Fletcher;
At this time, it is now known when he moved to Illinois, but Irvin moved to Illinois sometime before 1862, where he settled in Olio Township of Woodford County, near Eureka, Illinois.
On August 3, 1862, he was one of the first to volunteer to serve in a company which was being raised in the Eureka/El Paso area of Woodford County by William S. Magarity, who was the first Sheriff of Woodford County in the 1840's.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name FLETCHER, IRVIN
Rank PVT Company A Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence OLIO, WOODFORD CO, IL Age 26 Height 6' Hair LIGHT
Eyes GRAY Complexion FAIR Marital Status SINGLE Occupation FARMER
Nativity BERLIN, SOMERSETT CO, PA
Service Record
Joined When AUG 3, 1862 Joined Where OLIO, IL
Joined By Whom CPT MAGARITY Period 3 YRS
Muster In AUG 27, 1862 Muster In Where PEORIA, IL
Muster In By Whom N/A Muster Out N/A
Muster Out Where N/A Muster Out By Whom N/A
Remarks TRANS TO VETERAN VOLUNTEER ENGINEERS JUN 15, 1864
When Magarity had about 100 volunteers, he took his company to Peoria, where they went into camp at Camp Lyon, near present day Glen Oak Park. On August 27, 1862, 96 of Magarity's volunteers were mustered into service as Co. A of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry.
On September 7, 1862, the men of the 86th Illinois marched out of Camp Lyon, through the streets of Peoria to the railroad depot where they boarded the cars for Indiana and Kentucky. One month later, on Oct. 8, 1862, the men of the 86th fought in the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky, where they suffered thirteen casualties. Many more were to come. After the Union victory at Perryville, the men of the 86th marched on to Nashville, Tennessee. The next ten months were spent garrisoning Nashville and making brief marches into middle Tennessee. Late in the summer of 1863, the 86th marched on to Chattanooga, where they participated in a number of skirmishes and battles which aided in the taking of Chattanooga. On September 19, 1863, they participated in the Battle of Chickamauga, Georgia. After the Union army took Chattanooga for good, the 86th went into winter camp at Lee & Gordon Mill on the south end of the Chickamauga Battlefirld.
On March 4, 1864, Irvin celebrated his 28th birthday. The Union army was on the move again and just one week before, the 86th was engaged in the Battle of Buzzard Roost Gap, Georgia. In the next few months, the men of the 86th would see action at Resaca, Georgia; Rome, Georgia; Dallas, Georgia and on June 15, 1864 at Big Shanty, Georgia.
On June 15, 1864, Pvt. Irvin Fletcher was transferred to the U. S. Veteran Volunteer Engineers. It is believed that Irvin finished out the last year of the war in the Engineers, but nothing is known of his service during this time. He most likely stayed in General William Tecumseh Sherman's army, of which the 86th was a part, probably helped to take Atlanta and Marched with Sherman to the Sea, and probably participated in the Carolina Campaign in the spring of 1865, which helped bring an end to the war. By July of 1865, Irvin was probably back at home in Woodford County, but, he did not remain there long.
Irvin was married to Emily J. "Emma" ____________ in 1866 or 1867. This marriage does not appear to have occurred in Illinois. Shortly after the war, Irvin moved on west, where he settled in Johnson County, Kansas. Irvin and Emily may have been married there. One son is known to have been born to them. That was;
1. Edmund C. Fletcher, born ____________ __, 1868 in Kansas. It appears that Edmund never married. He has been identified in the 1870, 1880, 1900, 1910, 1920 and 1930 census records all of which can be seen below. He has not been located in the 1940 census.
At the time of the 1870 census, Irvin and his family are found in Oxford Township of Johnson County, Kansas;
Irving Fletcher M 34 Pennsylvania
Emma Fletcher F 28 Ohio
Edmund Fletcher M 2 Kansas
Sometime between 1867 and 1871, Irvin's brother, John, who was residing in West Virginia with his wife, Nancy, and daughter, Eldora, moved west and joined Irvin in Johnson County, Kansas. Emily got sick not long after this and is known to have passed away on March 27, 1871. Her earthly remains were laid to rest in the Tomahawk Cemetery near Overland Park, Kansas.
Irvin was then married in 1873 to Sarah Jane Capperrune, who was born on September 30, 1843 in Yates City, Knox County, Illinois, the daughter of Thomas Capperrune and Caroline (McGinnis) Capperrune. Sarah migrated to Johnson County, Kansas in 1871 and was married to widower, Irvin Fletcher, of Stanley, Kansas in 1873.
On the 1874 atlas map of Oxford Township of Johnson County, Kansas, the name I. Fletcher appears on two tracts of land in the eastern half of Section 6 of Oxford Township just north and west of Stanley, Kansas. One tract in the southeast corner of Section 6 totals about 80 acres, while the other tract in the southeast corner of the north east quarter of Section 6 totals about 120 acres for a total of about 200 acres of the eastern half of Section.
Four years later, on September 30, 1878, Pvt. Irvin Fletcher passed away at the age of 42, leaving Edmund an orphan at the age of c. 10. Following is the obituary for Irvin Fletcher that appeared in the "Western Progress" edition of 12-17-1878 courtesy of Chuck Helling and the Kansas State Historical Society in Topeka, Kansas;
"Obituary
Died. – Monday morning, September 30, in Stanley, Johnson county, Kansas, Mr. Irvin Fletcher, in the 42 year of his age, after a long and painful illness. Mr. Fletcher was a native of West Virginia. He served bravely in the Union army during the war, and at its close emigrated to Kansas, becoming one of our most energetic and respected citizens. He was a man of uncommon energy; by his perseverance and industry did much to give this locality its present prosperity. His disease was of a very painful nature, but he bore his sufferings with remarkable fortitude. He had commenced the erection of a nice residence, it was his earnest desire that he might live to see it completed and close his weary eyes within its walls. His wife and friends hoped, too, that by good care and tender nursing his frail life might be spared so long. But it was not to be. He leaves a brother, a sister and many relatives in this county to mourn his loss. An aged mother, too, in West Virginia, will grieve sadly when she learns that her son is no more. To his bereaved relatives, his friends and, in an especial manner, to his wife and little son we tender the sympathy of the entire community."
The mortal remains of Irvin Fletcher were laid to rest beside those of his beloved Emily.
Sarah Jane (Capperrune) Fletcher was married to David L. Gemmel on December 29, 1880. Sarah died of pneumonia, never having any children of her own, on 21 Jan 1904 in Olathe, Johnson County, Kansas. Her mortal remains were laid in the Olathe Memorial Cemetery in Olathe, Johnson County, Kansas. See her Find A Grave Memorial #23971968. Their estate provided a fund of $25,000 for the construction of the David Gemmel Memorial Gymnasium.
After his father's death, Edmund went to live with his aunt and uncle, John and Nancy Fletcher in Oxford Township in Johnson County, Kansas. They are all found there at the time of the 1880 census;
John Fletcher Self M 46 Pennsylvania
Nancy Fletcher Wife F 39 Virginia
Eldora Fletcher Daughter F 13 West Virginia
Margret Fletcher Daughter F 9 Kansas
Garfield Fletcher Son M 0 Kansas
Edmond C Fletcher Nephew M 12 Kansas
It appears that Edmund grew to manhood working the land beside his uncle there in Johnson County. However, Edmund did not want to farm all of his life and is known to have began the study of law. At the time of the 1900 census, Edmund C. Fletcher is found rooming in the Ward 2 of the city of Lawrence, Douglas County, Kansas. It is believed that he is studying law;
Isaac L Baker Head M 72 Pennsylvania
Minnie M Baker Wife F 22 Pennsylvania
Laverna R Baker Daughter F 8 Kansas
Charles C Hoag Roomer M
Edmund C Fletcher Roomer M
From 1902 to 1909, Edmund Fletcher practiced law in Kansas City, Missouri with Adrian F. Sherman, who was a graduate of Kansas University. At the time of the 1910 census, Edmond is single and found boarding in Kansas Ward 12, Jackson County, Missouri;
Lena W Hulett Head F 40 Missouri
Dellie J West Mother F 68 Missouri
Ernest F Eilenberger Boarder M 18 Illinois
Edmond Fletcher Boarder M 42 Kansas
Carl Henderson Boarder M 37 Kansas
A Bruce Waring Boarder M 31 Kansas
Lewis Brinson Boarder M 39 Kansas
Russell Field Boarder M 32 Kansas
John Mc Pherson Boarder M 37 Kansas
John Baird Servant M 50 Kentucky
In 1920, Edmond is found single and rooming with Fern Kelser and her daughter in Kansas City Ward 11, Jackson County, Missouri;
Fern Kesler Head F 34 Nebraska
Frederick A Kesler Daughter F 3 Missouri
Edmond C Fletcher Roomer M 51 Kansas
At the time of the 1930 census, Edmond C. Fletcher is 61, still single and is found residing in Washington, Washington, District of Columbia.
Edmund has not been located in the 1940 census. Edmond C. Fletcher died on ____________ __, 1959 in Washington, D. C. and his mortal remains were returned to Kansas. The following obituary was found in the Tuesday, August 11, 1959 edition of the The Emporia Gazette in Emporia, Kansas;
"The body of Edmond C. Fletcher, Kansas farm boy who became Assistant U. S. Attorney General then saw his career crumble in disgrace, lay unclaimed Monday in the District of Columbia morgue. He died Saturday at 91, a patient in a public ward of D. C. General Hospital. Doctors said he died of malnutrition and pneumonia. His will, dated in December, left thousands of dollars he didn't have to his friends, most of them long dead. The will closed with the request that his ashes be sent to Olathe, Kan., to be buried alongside his parents. Fletcher, a Kansas City lawyer, was assistant attorney general in the Harding and Coolidge administrations. In 1931, he was disbarred by the District Bar Assn. The charge" was malpractice and unethical conduct in assignment of fees. The case involved a claim against the federal government handled in 1925 for the city of Cape May, N. J. in anticipation of his fee, Fletcher borrowed money. Until his death, Fletcher fought to be restored to law practice. He said the charges were "a wicked and malicious conspiracy."
Edmund C. Fletcher's mortal remains were returned to Overland Park, Kansas where they were laid to rest near those of his parents in the Tomahawk Cemetery in Overland Park, Johnson County, Kansas. See his Find A Grave Memorial# 11465093.
by Baxter B. Fite III and Chuck Helling, who is a great great grandson of Irvin Fletcher, through his son Edmund. Chuck resides in Lenexa, Kansas and his email address is [email protected]
(Baxter Fite would enjoy hearing from anyone, especially descendants, who might be able to add to the biography of Pvt. Irvin Fletcher, his time in the service, and his family. He would also love to locate a photograph of Edmund, especially one of him in his uniform from his days in the service, but, at this point, he would be happy with any picture of Edmund for his biography and for the Woodford County Historical Society.)
Irvin Fletcher was born c. 1835/36 in Berlin, Somersett County, Pennsylvania. It appears that Irvin was the son of Thomas Fletcher, who was born in Ireland c. January 2, 1803 in Ireland. According to a site found on familysearch.org, Thomas Fletcher was married to Jane Frazier on 3 September 1827 in Beaver, Pennsylvania. Jane was born in Ireland c. February 17, 1805/08.
Their children include;
1. William Fletcher, born May 27 1828 in Greene County, Pennsylvania. William was married to Nancy Stewart (1832 - 1919). William Fletcher died on July 23, 1922 in Cameron, Marshall County, West Virginia and his mortal remains were laid in the Fork Ridge Baptist Cemetery in Glen Easton, Marshall County, West Virginia. See his Find A Grave Memorial# 135369007.
2. Sarah I. Fletcher, born c. 1829/30 in Pennsylvania.
3. Mary A. Fletcher, born c. 1831/32 in Pennsylvania.
4. John Fletcher, born February 4, 1834 in Green County, Pennsylvania. John Fletcher was married to Nancy E. McBroom, of Jerusalem, Ohio, on February 14, 1865. Four children are believed to have been born to John and Nancy;
A. Eldora B. Fletcher, born c.1866/67 in West Virginia. On July 18, 1888 Eldora was married to James Murdock in Olathe, Johnson County, Kansas. No children are believed to have been born to them. They resided in Morse, Kansas for some time. At the time of the 1900 census, Eldora and James are found in Oxford Township, Johnson County, Kansas;
James Murdock Head M Sep 1863 37 Illinois
Dora B Murdock Wife F 34 West Virginia
Maud Inman Boarder F 25 Kansas
B. Margaret Fletcher, born c. 1870/71 in Kansas. Margaret was married to E. L. Crooks. They resided in Frederick, Oklahoma for some time.
C. Allie May Fletcher, born in 18__. Died at the age of 2 years and nine months.
D. Garfield Fletcher, born c. 1879/80 in Kansas.
In 1868, John and Nancy left West Virginia, heading west, where they settled in Johnson County, Kansas, where they homesteaded near Morse, Kansas. In 1878, John and Nancy took in an orphan nephew, Edmond Carl Flecther, who was born in 1868, and raised him as his son as well. At the time of the 1880 census, John and his family are found in Oxford, Johnson County, Kansas;
John Fletcher Self M 46 Pennsylvania
Nancy Fletcher Wife F 39 Virginia
Eldora Fletcher Daughter F 13 West Virginia
Margret Fletcher Daughter F 9 Kansas
Garfield Fletcher Son M 0 Kansas
Edmond C Fletcher Nephew M 12 Kansas
John Fletcher died on July 28, 1917 and his mortal remains were laid in the Pleasant Valley Cemetery in Stanley, Johnson County, Kansas. See his Find A Grave Memorial# 13672650.
5. Irvin Fletcher, born c. 1835/36 in Berlin, Somersett County, Pennsylvania. See his biography below.
6. Margaret Fletcher, born c. 1837/38 in Pennsylvania.
7. Abraham B. Fletcher, born August __, 1840 in Pennsylvania. Abraham B. Fletcher died on ____________ __, 1902 and his mortal remains were laid in the Rock Lick Cemetery in Marshall County, West Virginia. See his Find A Grave Memorial# 98569444.
8. Thomas Fletcher, born c. 1841/42 in Pennsylvania.
9. Joseph Fletcher (1847 - 1919). See his Find A Grave Memorial # 97666531.
10. Anna Elizabeth "Eliza" Fletcher, born Aug. 30, 1850 in Cameron, Marshall County, Virginia (now West Virginia). Anna was married to Theodore Pressley Buzzard. Anna died on Apr. 17, 1936 in Cameron, Marshall County, West Virginia of pneumonia due to influenza and her mortal remains were laid in the Cameron Cemetery in Cameron, Marshall County, West Virginia. See her Find A Grave Memorial# 112351844.
At the time of the 1850 census, the Fletchers are found in Marshall county, Virginia;
Thomas Fletcher M 47 Ireland
Jane Fletcher F 45 Ireland
Sarah I Fletcher F 20 Pennsylvania
Mary A Fletcher F 18 Pennsylvania
John Fletcher M 16 Pennsylvania
Irwin Fletcher M 14 Pennsylvania
Margaret Fletcher F 12 Pennsylvania
Abraham Fletcher M 10 Pennsylvania
Thomas Fletcher M 8 Pennsylvania
Elizabeth Fletcher F 6 Pennsylvania
Joseph Fletcher M 4 Pennsylvania
Thomas Fletcher died on April 2, 1851 in Cameron, Marshall County, Virginia (now West Virginia) at the age of 48 years and 3 months and his mortal remains were laid in the Fork Ridge Baptist Cemetery in Glen Easton, Marshall County, Virginia (now West Virginia). See his Find A Grave Memorial# 97515942.
At the time of the 1860 census, the Fletchers are found in Marshall County, Virginia;
Jame Fletcher F 52 Ireland
John Fletcher M 26 Pennsylvania
Irvin Fletcher M 24 Pennsylvania
Margaret Fletcher F 22 Pennsylvania
Abraham Fletcher M 20 Pennsylvania
Thomas Fletcher M 18 Pennsylvania
Elisabeth Fletcher F 15 Pennsylvania
Joseph H Fletcher M 13 Pennsylvania
Amee E Fletcher F 12 Virginia
Jane (Frazier) Fletcher died on September 26, 1889 in Cameron, Marshall County, West Virginia and her mortal remains were laid in the Fork Ridge Baptist Cemetery in Glen Easton, Marshall County, West Virginia as well. See her Find A Grave Memorial# 97511089.
Now to continue with the biography of Irvin Fletcher;
At this time, it is now known when he moved to Illinois, but Irvin moved to Illinois sometime before 1862, where he settled in Olio Township of Woodford County, near Eureka, Illinois.
On August 3, 1862, he was one of the first to volunteer to serve in a company which was being raised in the Eureka/El Paso area of Woodford County by William S. Magarity, who was the first Sheriff of Woodford County in the 1840's.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name FLETCHER, IRVIN
Rank PVT Company A Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence OLIO, WOODFORD CO, IL Age 26 Height 6' Hair LIGHT
Eyes GRAY Complexion FAIR Marital Status SINGLE Occupation FARMER
Nativity BERLIN, SOMERSETT CO, PA
Service Record
Joined When AUG 3, 1862 Joined Where OLIO, IL
Joined By Whom CPT MAGARITY Period 3 YRS
Muster In AUG 27, 1862 Muster In Where PEORIA, IL
Muster In By Whom N/A Muster Out N/A
Muster Out Where N/A Muster Out By Whom N/A
Remarks TRANS TO VETERAN VOLUNTEER ENGINEERS JUN 15, 1864
When Magarity had about 100 volunteers, he took his company to Peoria, where they went into camp at Camp Lyon, near present day Glen Oak Park. On August 27, 1862, 96 of Magarity's volunteers were mustered into service as Co. A of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry.
On September 7, 1862, the men of the 86th Illinois marched out of Camp Lyon, through the streets of Peoria to the railroad depot where they boarded the cars for Indiana and Kentucky. One month later, on Oct. 8, 1862, the men of the 86th fought in the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky, where they suffered thirteen casualties. Many more were to come. After the Union victory at Perryville, the men of the 86th marched on to Nashville, Tennessee. The next ten months were spent garrisoning Nashville and making brief marches into middle Tennessee. Late in the summer of 1863, the 86th marched on to Chattanooga, where they participated in a number of skirmishes and battles which aided in the taking of Chattanooga. On September 19, 1863, they participated in the Battle of Chickamauga, Georgia. After the Union army took Chattanooga for good, the 86th went into winter camp at Lee & Gordon Mill on the south end of the Chickamauga Battlefirld.
On March 4, 1864, Irvin celebrated his 28th birthday. The Union army was on the move again and just one week before, the 86th was engaged in the Battle of Buzzard Roost Gap, Georgia. In the next few months, the men of the 86th would see action at Resaca, Georgia; Rome, Georgia; Dallas, Georgia and on June 15, 1864 at Big Shanty, Georgia.
On June 15, 1864, Pvt. Irvin Fletcher was transferred to the U. S. Veteran Volunteer Engineers. It is believed that Irvin finished out the last year of the war in the Engineers, but nothing is known of his service during this time. He most likely stayed in General William Tecumseh Sherman's army, of which the 86th was a part, probably helped to take Atlanta and Marched with Sherman to the Sea, and probably participated in the Carolina Campaign in the spring of 1865, which helped bring an end to the war. By July of 1865, Irvin was probably back at home in Woodford County, but, he did not remain there long.
Irvin was married to Emily J. "Emma" ____________ in 1866 or 1867. This marriage does not appear to have occurred in Illinois. Shortly after the war, Irvin moved on west, where he settled in Johnson County, Kansas. Irvin and Emily may have been married there. One son is known to have been born to them. That was;
1. Edmund C. Fletcher, born ____________ __, 1868 in Kansas. It appears that Edmund never married. He has been identified in the 1870, 1880, 1900, 1910, 1920 and 1930 census records all of which can be seen below. He has not been located in the 1940 census.
At the time of the 1870 census, Irvin and his family are found in Oxford Township of Johnson County, Kansas;
Irving Fletcher M 34 Pennsylvania
Emma Fletcher F 28 Ohio
Edmund Fletcher M 2 Kansas
Sometime between 1867 and 1871, Irvin's brother, John, who was residing in West Virginia with his wife, Nancy, and daughter, Eldora, moved west and joined Irvin in Johnson County, Kansas. Emily got sick not long after this and is known to have passed away on March 27, 1871. Her earthly remains were laid to rest in the Tomahawk Cemetery near Overland Park, Kansas.
Irvin was then married in 1873 to Sarah Jane Capperrune, who was born on September 30, 1843 in Yates City, Knox County, Illinois, the daughter of Thomas Capperrune and Caroline (McGinnis) Capperrune. Sarah migrated to Johnson County, Kansas in 1871 and was married to widower, Irvin Fletcher, of Stanley, Kansas in 1873.
On the 1874 atlas map of Oxford Township of Johnson County, Kansas, the name I. Fletcher appears on two tracts of land in the eastern half of Section 6 of Oxford Township just north and west of Stanley, Kansas. One tract in the southeast corner of Section 6 totals about 80 acres, while the other tract in the southeast corner of the north east quarter of Section 6 totals about 120 acres for a total of about 200 acres of the eastern half of Section.
Four years later, on September 30, 1878, Pvt. Irvin Fletcher passed away at the age of 42, leaving Edmund an orphan at the age of c. 10. Following is the obituary for Irvin Fletcher that appeared in the "Western Progress" edition of 12-17-1878 courtesy of Chuck Helling and the Kansas State Historical Society in Topeka, Kansas;
"Obituary
Died. – Monday morning, September 30, in Stanley, Johnson county, Kansas, Mr. Irvin Fletcher, in the 42 year of his age, after a long and painful illness. Mr. Fletcher was a native of West Virginia. He served bravely in the Union army during the war, and at its close emigrated to Kansas, becoming one of our most energetic and respected citizens. He was a man of uncommon energy; by his perseverance and industry did much to give this locality its present prosperity. His disease was of a very painful nature, but he bore his sufferings with remarkable fortitude. He had commenced the erection of a nice residence, it was his earnest desire that he might live to see it completed and close his weary eyes within its walls. His wife and friends hoped, too, that by good care and tender nursing his frail life might be spared so long. But it was not to be. He leaves a brother, a sister and many relatives in this county to mourn his loss. An aged mother, too, in West Virginia, will grieve sadly when she learns that her son is no more. To his bereaved relatives, his friends and, in an especial manner, to his wife and little son we tender the sympathy of the entire community."
The mortal remains of Irvin Fletcher were laid to rest beside those of his beloved Emily.
Sarah Jane (Capperrune) Fletcher was married to David L. Gemmel on December 29, 1880. Sarah died of pneumonia, never having any children of her own, on 21 Jan 1904 in Olathe, Johnson County, Kansas. Her mortal remains were laid in the Olathe Memorial Cemetery in Olathe, Johnson County, Kansas. See her Find A Grave Memorial #23971968. Their estate provided a fund of $25,000 for the construction of the David Gemmel Memorial Gymnasium.
After his father's death, Edmund went to live with his aunt and uncle, John and Nancy Fletcher in Oxford Township in Johnson County, Kansas. They are all found there at the time of the 1880 census;
John Fletcher Self M 46 Pennsylvania
Nancy Fletcher Wife F 39 Virginia
Eldora Fletcher Daughter F 13 West Virginia
Margret Fletcher Daughter F 9 Kansas
Garfield Fletcher Son M 0 Kansas
Edmond C Fletcher Nephew M 12 Kansas
It appears that Edmund grew to manhood working the land beside his uncle there in Johnson County. However, Edmund did not want to farm all of his life and is known to have began the study of law. At the time of the 1900 census, Edmund C. Fletcher is found rooming in the Ward 2 of the city of Lawrence, Douglas County, Kansas. It is believed that he is studying law;
Isaac L Baker Head M 72 Pennsylvania
Minnie M Baker Wife F 22 Pennsylvania
Laverna R Baker Daughter F 8 Kansas
Charles C Hoag Roomer M
Edmund C Fletcher Roomer M
From 1902 to 1909, Edmund Fletcher practiced law in Kansas City, Missouri with Adrian F. Sherman, who was a graduate of Kansas University. At the time of the 1910 census, Edmond is single and found boarding in Kansas Ward 12, Jackson County, Missouri;
Lena W Hulett Head F 40 Missouri
Dellie J West Mother F 68 Missouri
Ernest F Eilenberger Boarder M 18 Illinois
Edmond Fletcher Boarder M 42 Kansas
Carl Henderson Boarder M 37 Kansas
A Bruce Waring Boarder M 31 Kansas
Lewis Brinson Boarder M 39 Kansas
Russell Field Boarder M 32 Kansas
John Mc Pherson Boarder M 37 Kansas
John Baird Servant M 50 Kentucky
In 1920, Edmond is found single and rooming with Fern Kelser and her daughter in Kansas City Ward 11, Jackson County, Missouri;
Fern Kesler Head F 34 Nebraska
Frederick A Kesler Daughter F 3 Missouri
Edmond C Fletcher Roomer M 51 Kansas
At the time of the 1930 census, Edmond C. Fletcher is 61, still single and is found residing in Washington, Washington, District of Columbia.
Edmund has not been located in the 1940 census. Edmond C. Fletcher died on ____________ __, 1959 in Washington, D. C. and his mortal remains were returned to Kansas. The following obituary was found in the Tuesday, August 11, 1959 edition of the The Emporia Gazette in Emporia, Kansas;
"The body of Edmond C. Fletcher, Kansas farm boy who became Assistant U. S. Attorney General then saw his career crumble in disgrace, lay unclaimed Monday in the District of Columbia morgue. He died Saturday at 91, a patient in a public ward of D. C. General Hospital. Doctors said he died of malnutrition and pneumonia. His will, dated in December, left thousands of dollars he didn't have to his friends, most of them long dead. The will closed with the request that his ashes be sent to Olathe, Kan., to be buried alongside his parents. Fletcher, a Kansas City lawyer, was assistant attorney general in the Harding and Coolidge administrations. In 1931, he was disbarred by the District Bar Assn. The charge" was malpractice and unethical conduct in assignment of fees. The case involved a claim against the federal government handled in 1925 for the city of Cape May, N. J. in anticipation of his fee, Fletcher borrowed money. Until his death, Fletcher fought to be restored to law practice. He said the charges were "a wicked and malicious conspiracy."
Edmund C. Fletcher's mortal remains were returned to Overland Park, Kansas where they were laid to rest near those of his parents in the Tomahawk Cemetery in Overland Park, Johnson County, Kansas. See his Find A Grave Memorial# 11465093.
by Baxter B. Fite III and Chuck Helling, who is a great great grandson of Irvin Fletcher, through his son Edmund. Chuck resides in Lenexa, Kansas and his email address is [email protected]
(Baxter Fite would enjoy hearing from anyone, especially descendants, who might be able to add to the biography of Pvt. Irvin Fletcher, his time in the service, and his family. He would also love to locate a photograph of Edmund, especially one of him in his uniform from his days in the service, but, at this point, he would be happy with any picture of Edmund for his biography and for the Woodford County Historical Society.)
Private IRVIN FLETCHER, Co. A, 86th Illinois
Irvin Fletcher was born c. 1835/36 in Berlin, Somersett County, Pennsylvania. It appears that Irvin was the son of Thomas Fletcher, who was born in Ireland c. January 2, 1803 in Ireland. According to a site found on familysearch.org, Thomas Fletcher was married to Jane Frazier on 3 September 1827 in Beaver, Pennsylvania. Jane was born in Ireland c. February 17, 1805/08.
Their children include;
1. William Fletcher, born May 27 1828 in Greene County, Pennsylvania. William was married to Nancy Stewart (1832 - 1919). William Fletcher died on July 23, 1922 in Cameron, Marshall County, West Virginia and his mortal remains were laid in the Fork Ridge Baptist Cemetery in Glen Easton, Marshall County, West Virginia. See his Find A Grave Memorial# 135369007.
2. Sarah I. Fletcher, born c. 1829/30 in Pennsylvania.
3. Mary A. Fletcher, born c. 1831/32 in Pennsylvania.
4. John Fletcher, born February 4, 1834 in Green County, Pennsylvania. John Fletcher was married to Nancy E. McBroom, of Jerusalem, Ohio, on February 14, 1865. Four children are believed to have been born to John and Nancy;
A. Eldora B. Fletcher, born c.1866/67 in West Virginia. On July 18, 1888 Eldora was married to James Murdock in Olathe, Johnson County, Kansas. No children are believed to have been born to them. They resided in Morse, Kansas for some time. At the time of the 1900 census, Eldora and James are found in Oxford Township, Johnson County, Kansas;
James Murdock Head M Sep 1863 37 Illinois
Dora B Murdock Wife F 34 West Virginia
Maud Inman Boarder F 25 Kansas
B. Margaret Fletcher, born c. 1870/71 in Kansas. Margaret was married to E. L. Crooks. They resided in Frederick, Oklahoma for some time.
C. Allie May Fletcher, born in 18__. Died at the age of 2 years and nine months.
D. Garfield Fletcher, born c. 1879/80 in Kansas.
In 1868, John and Nancy left West Virginia, heading west, where they settled in Johnson County, Kansas, where they homesteaded near Morse, Kansas. In 1878, John and Nancy took in an orphan nephew, Edmond Carl Flecther, who was born in 1868, and raised him as his son as well. At the time of the 1880 census, John and his family are found in Oxford, Johnson County, Kansas;
John Fletcher Self M 46 Pennsylvania
Nancy Fletcher Wife F 39 Virginia
Eldora Fletcher Daughter F 13 West Virginia
Margret Fletcher Daughter F 9 Kansas
Garfield Fletcher Son M 0 Kansas
Edmond C Fletcher Nephew M 12 Kansas
John Fletcher died on July 28, 1917 and his mortal remains were laid in the Pleasant Valley Cemetery in Stanley, Johnson County, Kansas. See his Find A Grave Memorial# 13672650.
5. Irvin Fletcher, born c. 1835/36 in Berlin, Somersett County, Pennsylvania. See his biography below.
6. Margaret Fletcher, born c. 1837/38 in Pennsylvania.
7. Abraham B. Fletcher, born August __, 1840 in Pennsylvania. Abraham B. Fletcher died on ____________ __, 1902 and his mortal remains were laid in the Rock Lick Cemetery in Marshall County, West Virginia. See his Find A Grave Memorial# 98569444.
8. Thomas Fletcher, born c. 1841/42 in Pennsylvania.
9. Joseph Fletcher (1847 - 1919). See his Find A Grave Memorial # 97666531.
10. Anna Elizabeth "Eliza" Fletcher, born Aug. 30, 1850 in Cameron, Marshall County, Virginia (now West Virginia). Anna was married to Theodore Pressley Buzzard. Anna died on Apr. 17, 1936 in Cameron, Marshall County, West Virginia of pneumonia due to influenza and her mortal remains were laid in the Cameron Cemetery in Cameron, Marshall County, West Virginia. See her Find A Grave Memorial# 112351844.
At the time of the 1850 census, the Fletchers are found in Marshall county, Virginia;
Thomas Fletcher M 47 Ireland
Jane Fletcher F 45 Ireland
Sarah I Fletcher F 20 Pennsylvania
Mary A Fletcher F 18 Pennsylvania
John Fletcher M 16 Pennsylvania
Irwin Fletcher M 14 Pennsylvania
Margaret Fletcher F 12 Pennsylvania
Abraham Fletcher M 10 Pennsylvania
Thomas Fletcher M 8 Pennsylvania
Elizabeth Fletcher F 6 Pennsylvania
Joseph Fletcher M 4 Pennsylvania
Thomas Fletcher died on April 2, 1851 in Cameron, Marshall County, Virginia (now West Virginia) at the age of 48 years and 3 months and his mortal remains were laid in the Fork Ridge Baptist Cemetery in Glen Easton, Marshall County, Virginia (now West Virginia). See his Find A Grave Memorial# 97515942.
At the time of the 1860 census, the Fletchers are found in Marshall County, Virginia;
Jame Fletcher F 52 Ireland
John Fletcher M 26 Pennsylvania
Irvin Fletcher M 24 Pennsylvania
Margaret Fletcher F 22 Pennsylvania
Abraham Fletcher M 20 Pennsylvania
Thomas Fletcher M 18 Pennsylvania
Elisabeth Fletcher F 15 Pennsylvania
Joseph H Fletcher M 13 Pennsylvania
Amee E Fletcher F 12 Virginia
Jane (Frazier) Fletcher died on September 26, 1889 in Cameron, Marshall County, West Virginia and her mortal remains were laid in the Fork Ridge Baptist Cemetery in Glen Easton, Marshall County, West Virginia as well. See her Find A Grave Memorial# 97511089.
Now to continue with the biography of Irvin Fletcher;
At this time, it is now known when he moved to Illinois, but Irvin moved to Illinois sometime before 1862, where he settled in Olio Township of Woodford County, near Eureka, Illinois.
On August 3, 1862, he was one of the first to volunteer to serve in a company which was being raised in the Eureka/El Paso area of Woodford County by William S. Magarity, who was the first Sheriff of Woodford County in the 1840's.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name FLETCHER, IRVIN
Rank PVT Company A Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence OLIO, WOODFORD CO, IL Age 26 Height 6' Hair LIGHT
Eyes GRAY Complexion FAIR Marital Status SINGLE Occupation FARMER
Nativity BERLIN, SOMERSETT CO, PA
Service Record
Joined When AUG 3, 1862 Joined Where OLIO, IL
Joined By Whom CPT MAGARITY Period 3 YRS
Muster In AUG 27, 1862 Muster In Where PEORIA, IL
Muster In By Whom N/A Muster Out N/A
Muster Out Where N/A Muster Out By Whom N/A
Remarks TRANS TO VETERAN VOLUNTEER ENGINEERS JUN 15, 1864
When Magarity had about 100 volunteers, he took his company to Peoria, where they went into camp at Camp Lyon, near present day Glen Oak Park. On August 27, 1862, 96 of Magarity's volunteers were mustered into service as Co. A of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry.
On September 7, 1862, the men of the 86th Illinois marched out of Camp Lyon, through the streets of Peoria to the railroad depot where they boarded the cars for Indiana and Kentucky. One month later, on Oct. 8, 1862, the men of the 86th fought in the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky, where they suffered thirteen casualties. Many more were to come. After the Union victory at Perryville, the men of the 86th marched on to Nashville, Tennessee. The next ten months were spent garrisoning Nashville and making brief marches into middle Tennessee. Late in the summer of 1863, the 86th marched on to Chattanooga, where they participated in a number of skirmishes and battles which aided in the taking of Chattanooga. On September 19, 1863, they participated in the Battle of Chickamauga, Georgia. After the Union army took Chattanooga for good, the 86th went into winter camp at Lee & Gordon Mill on the south end of the Chickamauga Battlefirld.
On March 4, 1864, Irvin celebrated his 28th birthday. The Union army was on the move again and just one week before, the 86th was engaged in the Battle of Buzzard Roost Gap, Georgia. In the next few months, the men of the 86th would see action at Resaca, Georgia; Rome, Georgia; Dallas, Georgia and on June 15, 1864 at Big Shanty, Georgia.
On June 15, 1864, Pvt. Irvin Fletcher was transferred to the U. S. Veteran Volunteer Engineers. It is believed that Irvin finished out the last year of the war in the Engineers, but nothing is known of his service during this time. He most likely stayed in General William Tecumseh Sherman's army, of which the 86th was a part, probably helped to take Atlanta and Marched with Sherman to the Sea, and probably participated in the Carolina Campaign in the spring of 1865, which helped bring an end to the war. By July of 1865, Irvin was probably back at home in Woodford County, but, he did not remain there long.
Irvin was married to Emily J. "Emma" ____________ in 1866 or 1867. This marriage does not appear to have occurred in Illinois. Shortly after the war, Irvin moved on west, where he settled in Johnson County, Kansas. Irvin and Emily may have been married there. One son is known to have been born to them. That was;
1. Edmund C. Fletcher, born ____________ __, 1868 in Kansas. It appears that Edmund never married. He has been identified in the 1870, 1880, 1900, 1910, 1920 and 1930 census records all of which can be seen below. He has not been located in the 1940 census.
At the time of the 1870 census, Irvin and his family are found in Oxford Township of Johnson County, Kansas;
Irving Fletcher M 34 Pennsylvania
Emma Fletcher F 28 Ohio
Edmund Fletcher M 2 Kansas
Sometime between 1867 and 1871, Irvin's brother, John, who was residing in West Virginia with his wife, Nancy, and daughter, Eldora, moved west and joined Irvin in Johnson County, Kansas. Emily got sick not long after this and is known to have passed away on March 27, 1871. Her earthly remains were laid to rest in the Tomahawk Cemetery near Overland Park, Kansas.
Irvin was then married in 1873 to Sarah Jane Capperrune, who was born on September 30, 1843 in Yates City, Knox County, Illinois, the daughter of Thomas Capperrune and Caroline (McGinnis) Capperrune. Sarah migrated to Johnson County, Kansas in 1871 and was married to widower, Irvin Fletcher, of Stanley, Kansas in 1873.
On the 1874 atlas map of Oxford Township of Johnson County, Kansas, the name I. Fletcher appears on two tracts of land in the eastern half of Section 6 of Oxford Township just north and west of Stanley, Kansas. One tract in the southeast corner of Section 6 totals about 80 acres, while the other tract in the southeast corner of the north east quarter of Section 6 totals about 120 acres for a total of about 200 acres of the eastern half of Section.
Four years later, on September 30, 1878, Pvt. Irvin Fletcher passed away at the age of 42, leaving Edmund an orphan at the age of c. 10. Following is the obituary for Irvin Fletcher that appeared in the "Western Progress" edition of 12-17-1878 courtesy of Chuck Helling and the Kansas State Historical Society in Topeka, Kansas;
"Obituary
Died. – Monday morning, September 30, in Stanley, Johnson county, Kansas, Mr. Irvin Fletcher, in the 42 year of his age, after a long and painful illness. Mr. Fletcher was a native of West Virginia. He served bravely in the Union army during the war, and at its close emigrated to Kansas, becoming one of our most energetic and respected citizens. He was a man of uncommon energy; by his perseverance and industry did much to give this locality its present prosperity. His disease was of a very painful nature, but he bore his sufferings with remarkable fortitude. He had commenced the erection of a nice residence, it was his earnest desire that he might live to see it completed and close his weary eyes within its walls. His wife and friends hoped, too, that by good care and tender nursing his frail life might be spared so long. But it was not to be. He leaves a brother, a sister and many relatives in this county to mourn his loss. An aged mother, too, in West Virginia, will grieve sadly when she learns that her son is no more. To his bereaved relatives, his friends and, in an especial manner, to his wife and little son we tender the sympathy of the entire community."
The mortal remains of Irvin Fletcher were laid to rest beside those of his beloved Emily.
Sarah Jane (Capperrune) Fletcher was married to David L. Gemmel on December 29, 1880. Sarah died of pneumonia, never having any children of her own, on 21 Jan 1904 in Olathe, Johnson County, Kansas. Her mortal remains were laid in the Olathe Memorial Cemetery in Olathe, Johnson County, Kansas. See her Find A Grave Memorial #23971968. Their estate provided a fund of $25,000 for the construction of the David Gemmel Memorial Gymnasium.
After his father's death, Edmund went to live with his aunt and uncle, John and Nancy Fletcher in Oxford Township in Johnson County, Kansas. They are all found there at the time of the 1880 census;
John Fletcher Self M 46 Pennsylvania
Nancy Fletcher Wife F 39 Virginia
Eldora Fletcher Daughter F 13 West Virginia
Margret Fletcher Daughter F 9 Kansas
Garfield Fletcher Son M 0 Kansas
Edmond C Fletcher Nephew M 12 Kansas
It appears that Edmund grew to manhood working the land beside his uncle there in Johnson County. However, Edmund did not want to farm all of his life and is known to have began the study of law. At the time of the 1900 census, Edmund C. Fletcher is found rooming in the Ward 2 of the city of Lawrence, Douglas County, Kansas. It is believed that he is studying law;
Isaac L Baker Head M 72 Pennsylvania
Minnie M Baker Wife F 22 Pennsylvania
Laverna R Baker Daughter F 8 Kansas
Charles C Hoag Roomer M
Edmund C Fletcher Roomer M
From 1902 to 1909, Edmund Fletcher practiced law in Kansas City, Missouri with Adrian F. Sherman, who was a graduate of Kansas University. At the time of the 1910 census, Edmond is single and found boarding in Kansas Ward 12, Jackson County, Missouri;
Lena W Hulett Head F 40 Missouri
Dellie J West Mother F 68 Missouri
Ernest F Eilenberger Boarder M 18 Illinois
Edmond Fletcher Boarder M 42 Kansas
Carl Henderson Boarder M 37 Kansas
A Bruce Waring Boarder M 31 Kansas
Lewis Brinson Boarder M 39 Kansas
Russell Field Boarder M 32 Kansas
John Mc Pherson Boarder M 37 Kansas
John Baird Servant M 50 Kentucky
In 1920, Edmond is found single and rooming with Fern Kelser and her daughter in Kansas City Ward 11, Jackson County, Missouri;
Fern Kesler Head F 34 Nebraska
Frederick A Kesler Daughter F 3 Missouri
Edmond C Fletcher Roomer M 51 Kansas
At the time of the 1930 census, Edmond C. Fletcher is 61, still single and is found residing in Washington, Washington, District of Columbia.
Edmund has not been located in the 1940 census. Edmond C. Fletcher died on ____________ __, 1959 in Washington, D. C. and his mortal remains were returned to Kansas. The following obituary was found in the Tuesday, August 11, 1959 edition of the The Emporia Gazette in Emporia, Kansas;
"The body of Edmond C. Fletcher, Kansas farm boy who became Assistant U. S. Attorney General then saw his career crumble in disgrace, lay unclaimed Monday in the District of Columbia morgue. He died Saturday at 91, a patient in a public ward of D. C. General Hospital. Doctors said he died of malnutrition and pneumonia. His will, dated in December, left thousands of dollars he didn't have to his friends, most of them long dead. The will closed with the request that his ashes be sent to Olathe, Kan., to be buried alongside his parents. Fletcher, a Kansas City lawyer, was assistant attorney general in the Harding and Coolidge administrations. In 1931, he was disbarred by the District Bar Assn. The charge" was malpractice and unethical conduct in assignment of fees. The case involved a claim against the federal government handled in 1925 for the city of Cape May, N. J. in anticipation of his fee, Fletcher borrowed money. Until his death, Fletcher fought to be restored to law practice. He said the charges were "a wicked and malicious conspiracy."
Edmund C. Fletcher's mortal remains were returned to Overland Park, Kansas where they were laid to rest near those of his parents in the Tomahawk Cemetery in Overland Park, Johnson County, Kansas. See his Find A Grave Memorial# 11465093.
by Baxter B. Fite III and Chuck Helling, who is a great great grandson of Irvin Fletcher, through his son Edmund. Chuck resides in Lenexa, Kansas and his email address is [email protected]
(Baxter Fite would enjoy hearing from anyone, especially descendants, who might be able to add to the biography of Pvt. Irvin Fletcher, his time in the service, and his family. He would also love to locate a photograph of Edmund, especially one of him in his uniform from his days in the service, but, at this point, he would be happy with any picture of Edmund for his biography and for the Woodford County Historical Society.)
Irvin Fletcher was born c. 1835/36 in Berlin, Somersett County, Pennsylvania. It appears that Irvin was the son of Thomas Fletcher, who was born in Ireland c. January 2, 1803 in Ireland. According to a site found on familysearch.org, Thomas Fletcher was married to Jane Frazier on 3 September 1827 in Beaver, Pennsylvania. Jane was born in Ireland c. February 17, 1805/08.
Their children include;
1. William Fletcher, born May 27 1828 in Greene County, Pennsylvania. William was married to Nancy Stewart (1832 - 1919). William Fletcher died on July 23, 1922 in Cameron, Marshall County, West Virginia and his mortal remains were laid in the Fork Ridge Baptist Cemetery in Glen Easton, Marshall County, West Virginia. See his Find A Grave Memorial# 135369007.
2. Sarah I. Fletcher, born c. 1829/30 in Pennsylvania.
3. Mary A. Fletcher, born c. 1831/32 in Pennsylvania.
4. John Fletcher, born February 4, 1834 in Green County, Pennsylvania. John Fletcher was married to Nancy E. McBroom, of Jerusalem, Ohio, on February 14, 1865. Four children are believed to have been born to John and Nancy;
A. Eldora B. Fletcher, born c.1866/67 in West Virginia. On July 18, 1888 Eldora was married to James Murdock in Olathe, Johnson County, Kansas. No children are believed to have been born to them. They resided in Morse, Kansas for some time. At the time of the 1900 census, Eldora and James are found in Oxford Township, Johnson County, Kansas;
James Murdock Head M Sep 1863 37 Illinois
Dora B Murdock Wife F 34 West Virginia
Maud Inman Boarder F 25 Kansas
B. Margaret Fletcher, born c. 1870/71 in Kansas. Margaret was married to E. L. Crooks. They resided in Frederick, Oklahoma for some time.
C. Allie May Fletcher, born in 18__. Died at the age of 2 years and nine months.
D. Garfield Fletcher, born c. 1879/80 in Kansas.
In 1868, John and Nancy left West Virginia, heading west, where they settled in Johnson County, Kansas, where they homesteaded near Morse, Kansas. In 1878, John and Nancy took in an orphan nephew, Edmond Carl Flecther, who was born in 1868, and raised him as his son as well. At the time of the 1880 census, John and his family are found in Oxford, Johnson County, Kansas;
John Fletcher Self M 46 Pennsylvania
Nancy Fletcher Wife F 39 Virginia
Eldora Fletcher Daughter F 13 West Virginia
Margret Fletcher Daughter F 9 Kansas
Garfield Fletcher Son M 0 Kansas
Edmond C Fletcher Nephew M 12 Kansas
John Fletcher died on July 28, 1917 and his mortal remains were laid in the Pleasant Valley Cemetery in Stanley, Johnson County, Kansas. See his Find A Grave Memorial# 13672650.
5. Irvin Fletcher, born c. 1835/36 in Berlin, Somersett County, Pennsylvania. See his biography below.
6. Margaret Fletcher, born c. 1837/38 in Pennsylvania.
7. Abraham B. Fletcher, born August __, 1840 in Pennsylvania. Abraham B. Fletcher died on ____________ __, 1902 and his mortal remains were laid in the Rock Lick Cemetery in Marshall County, West Virginia. See his Find A Grave Memorial# 98569444.
8. Thomas Fletcher, born c. 1841/42 in Pennsylvania.
9. Joseph Fletcher (1847 - 1919). See his Find A Grave Memorial # 97666531.
10. Anna Elizabeth "Eliza" Fletcher, born Aug. 30, 1850 in Cameron, Marshall County, Virginia (now West Virginia). Anna was married to Theodore Pressley Buzzard. Anna died on Apr. 17, 1936 in Cameron, Marshall County, West Virginia of pneumonia due to influenza and her mortal remains were laid in the Cameron Cemetery in Cameron, Marshall County, West Virginia. See her Find A Grave Memorial# 112351844.
At the time of the 1850 census, the Fletchers are found in Marshall county, Virginia;
Thomas Fletcher M 47 Ireland
Jane Fletcher F 45 Ireland
Sarah I Fletcher F 20 Pennsylvania
Mary A Fletcher F 18 Pennsylvania
John Fletcher M 16 Pennsylvania
Irwin Fletcher M 14 Pennsylvania
Margaret Fletcher F 12 Pennsylvania
Abraham Fletcher M 10 Pennsylvania
Thomas Fletcher M 8 Pennsylvania
Elizabeth Fletcher F 6 Pennsylvania
Joseph Fletcher M 4 Pennsylvania
Thomas Fletcher died on April 2, 1851 in Cameron, Marshall County, Virginia (now West Virginia) at the age of 48 years and 3 months and his mortal remains were laid in the Fork Ridge Baptist Cemetery in Glen Easton, Marshall County, Virginia (now West Virginia). See his Find A Grave Memorial# 97515942.
At the time of the 1860 census, the Fletchers are found in Marshall County, Virginia;
Jame Fletcher F 52 Ireland
John Fletcher M 26 Pennsylvania
Irvin Fletcher M 24 Pennsylvania
Margaret Fletcher F 22 Pennsylvania
Abraham Fletcher M 20 Pennsylvania
Thomas Fletcher M 18 Pennsylvania
Elisabeth Fletcher F 15 Pennsylvania
Joseph H Fletcher M 13 Pennsylvania
Amee E Fletcher F 12 Virginia
Jane (Frazier) Fletcher died on September 26, 1889 in Cameron, Marshall County, West Virginia and her mortal remains were laid in the Fork Ridge Baptist Cemetery in Glen Easton, Marshall County, West Virginia as well. See her Find A Grave Memorial# 97511089.
Now to continue with the biography of Irvin Fletcher;
At this time, it is now known when he moved to Illinois, but Irvin moved to Illinois sometime before 1862, where he settled in Olio Township of Woodford County, near Eureka, Illinois.
On August 3, 1862, he was one of the first to volunteer to serve in a company which was being raised in the Eureka/El Paso area of Woodford County by William S. Magarity, who was the first Sheriff of Woodford County in the 1840's.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name FLETCHER, IRVIN
Rank PVT Company A Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence OLIO, WOODFORD CO, IL Age 26 Height 6' Hair LIGHT
Eyes GRAY Complexion FAIR Marital Status SINGLE Occupation FARMER
Nativity BERLIN, SOMERSETT CO, PA
Service Record
Joined When AUG 3, 1862 Joined Where OLIO, IL
Joined By Whom CPT MAGARITY Period 3 YRS
Muster In AUG 27, 1862 Muster In Where PEORIA, IL
Muster In By Whom N/A Muster Out N/A
Muster Out Where N/A Muster Out By Whom N/A
Remarks TRANS TO VETERAN VOLUNTEER ENGINEERS JUN 15, 1864
When Magarity had about 100 volunteers, he took his company to Peoria, where they went into camp at Camp Lyon, near present day Glen Oak Park. On August 27, 1862, 96 of Magarity's volunteers were mustered into service as Co. A of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry.
On September 7, 1862, the men of the 86th Illinois marched out of Camp Lyon, through the streets of Peoria to the railroad depot where they boarded the cars for Indiana and Kentucky. One month later, on Oct. 8, 1862, the men of the 86th fought in the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky, where they suffered thirteen casualties. Many more were to come. After the Union victory at Perryville, the men of the 86th marched on to Nashville, Tennessee. The next ten months were spent garrisoning Nashville and making brief marches into middle Tennessee. Late in the summer of 1863, the 86th marched on to Chattanooga, where they participated in a number of skirmishes and battles which aided in the taking of Chattanooga. On September 19, 1863, they participated in the Battle of Chickamauga, Georgia. After the Union army took Chattanooga for good, the 86th went into winter camp at Lee & Gordon Mill on the south end of the Chickamauga Battlefirld.
On March 4, 1864, Irvin celebrated his 28th birthday. The Union army was on the move again and just one week before, the 86th was engaged in the Battle of Buzzard Roost Gap, Georgia. In the next few months, the men of the 86th would see action at Resaca, Georgia; Rome, Georgia; Dallas, Georgia and on June 15, 1864 at Big Shanty, Georgia.
On June 15, 1864, Pvt. Irvin Fletcher was transferred to the U. S. Veteran Volunteer Engineers. It is believed that Irvin finished out the last year of the war in the Engineers, but nothing is known of his service during this time. He most likely stayed in General William Tecumseh Sherman's army, of which the 86th was a part, probably helped to take Atlanta and Marched with Sherman to the Sea, and probably participated in the Carolina Campaign in the spring of 1865, which helped bring an end to the war. By July of 1865, Irvin was probably back at home in Woodford County, but, he did not remain there long.
Irvin was married to Emily J. "Emma" ____________ in 1866 or 1867. This marriage does not appear to have occurred in Illinois. Shortly after the war, Irvin moved on west, where he settled in Johnson County, Kansas. Irvin and Emily may have been married there. One son is known to have been born to them. That was;
1. Edmund C. Fletcher, born ____________ __, 1868 in Kansas. It appears that Edmund never married. He has been identified in the 1870, 1880, 1900, 1910, 1920 and 1930 census records all of which can be seen below. He has not been located in the 1940 census.
At the time of the 1870 census, Irvin and his family are found in Oxford Township of Johnson County, Kansas;
Irving Fletcher M 34 Pennsylvania
Emma Fletcher F 28 Ohio
Edmund Fletcher M 2 Kansas
Sometime between 1867 and 1871, Irvin's brother, John, who was residing in West Virginia with his wife, Nancy, and daughter, Eldora, moved west and joined Irvin in Johnson County, Kansas. Emily got sick not long after this and is known to have passed away on March 27, 1871. Her earthly remains were laid to rest in the Tomahawk Cemetery near Overland Park, Kansas.
Irvin was then married in 1873 to Sarah Jane Capperrune, who was born on September 30, 1843 in Yates City, Knox County, Illinois, the daughter of Thomas Capperrune and Caroline (McGinnis) Capperrune. Sarah migrated to Johnson County, Kansas in 1871 and was married to widower, Irvin Fletcher, of Stanley, Kansas in 1873.
On the 1874 atlas map of Oxford Township of Johnson County, Kansas, the name I. Fletcher appears on two tracts of land in the eastern half of Section 6 of Oxford Township just north and west of Stanley, Kansas. One tract in the southeast corner of Section 6 totals about 80 acres, while the other tract in the southeast corner of the north east quarter of Section 6 totals about 120 acres for a total of about 200 acres of the eastern half of Section.
Four years later, on September 30, 1878, Pvt. Irvin Fletcher passed away at the age of 42, leaving Edmund an orphan at the age of c. 10. Following is the obituary for Irvin Fletcher that appeared in the "Western Progress" edition of 12-17-1878 courtesy of Chuck Helling and the Kansas State Historical Society in Topeka, Kansas;
"Obituary
Died. – Monday morning, September 30, in Stanley, Johnson county, Kansas, Mr. Irvin Fletcher, in the 42 year of his age, after a long and painful illness. Mr. Fletcher was a native of West Virginia. He served bravely in the Union army during the war, and at its close emigrated to Kansas, becoming one of our most energetic and respected citizens. He was a man of uncommon energy; by his perseverance and industry did much to give this locality its present prosperity. His disease was of a very painful nature, but he bore his sufferings with remarkable fortitude. He had commenced the erection of a nice residence, it was his earnest desire that he might live to see it completed and close his weary eyes within its walls. His wife and friends hoped, too, that by good care and tender nursing his frail life might be spared so long. But it was not to be. He leaves a brother, a sister and many relatives in this county to mourn his loss. An aged mother, too, in West Virginia, will grieve sadly when she learns that her son is no more. To his bereaved relatives, his friends and, in an especial manner, to his wife and little son we tender the sympathy of the entire community."
The mortal remains of Irvin Fletcher were laid to rest beside those of his beloved Emily.
Sarah Jane (Capperrune) Fletcher was married to David L. Gemmel on December 29, 1880. Sarah died of pneumonia, never having any children of her own, on 21 Jan 1904 in Olathe, Johnson County, Kansas. Her mortal remains were laid in the Olathe Memorial Cemetery in Olathe, Johnson County, Kansas. See her Find A Grave Memorial #23971968. Their estate provided a fund of $25,000 for the construction of the David Gemmel Memorial Gymnasium.
After his father's death, Edmund went to live with his aunt and uncle, John and Nancy Fletcher in Oxford Township in Johnson County, Kansas. They are all found there at the time of the 1880 census;
John Fletcher Self M 46 Pennsylvania
Nancy Fletcher Wife F 39 Virginia
Eldora Fletcher Daughter F 13 West Virginia
Margret Fletcher Daughter F 9 Kansas
Garfield Fletcher Son M 0 Kansas
Edmond C Fletcher Nephew M 12 Kansas
It appears that Edmund grew to manhood working the land beside his uncle there in Johnson County. However, Edmund did not want to farm all of his life and is known to have began the study of law. At the time of the 1900 census, Edmund C. Fletcher is found rooming in the Ward 2 of the city of Lawrence, Douglas County, Kansas. It is believed that he is studying law;
Isaac L Baker Head M 72 Pennsylvania
Minnie M Baker Wife F 22 Pennsylvania
Laverna R Baker Daughter F 8 Kansas
Charles C Hoag Roomer M
Edmund C Fletcher Roomer M
From 1902 to 1909, Edmund Fletcher practiced law in Kansas City, Missouri with Adrian F. Sherman, who was a graduate of Kansas University. At the time of the 1910 census, Edmond is single and found boarding in Kansas Ward 12, Jackson County, Missouri;
Lena W Hulett Head F 40 Missouri
Dellie J West Mother F 68 Missouri
Ernest F Eilenberger Boarder M 18 Illinois
Edmond Fletcher Boarder M 42 Kansas
Carl Henderson Boarder M 37 Kansas
A Bruce Waring Boarder M 31 Kansas
Lewis Brinson Boarder M 39 Kansas
Russell Field Boarder M 32 Kansas
John Mc Pherson Boarder M 37 Kansas
John Baird Servant M 50 Kentucky
In 1920, Edmond is found single and rooming with Fern Kelser and her daughter in Kansas City Ward 11, Jackson County, Missouri;
Fern Kesler Head F 34 Nebraska
Frederick A Kesler Daughter F 3 Missouri
Edmond C Fletcher Roomer M 51 Kansas
At the time of the 1930 census, Edmond C. Fletcher is 61, still single and is found residing in Washington, Washington, District of Columbia.
Edmund has not been located in the 1940 census. Edmond C. Fletcher died on ____________ __, 1959 in Washington, D. C. and his mortal remains were returned to Kansas. The following obituary was found in the Tuesday, August 11, 1959 edition of the The Emporia Gazette in Emporia, Kansas;
"The body of Edmond C. Fletcher, Kansas farm boy who became Assistant U. S. Attorney General then saw his career crumble in disgrace, lay unclaimed Monday in the District of Columbia morgue. He died Saturday at 91, a patient in a public ward of D. C. General Hospital. Doctors said he died of malnutrition and pneumonia. His will, dated in December, left thousands of dollars he didn't have to his friends, most of them long dead. The will closed with the request that his ashes be sent to Olathe, Kan., to be buried alongside his parents. Fletcher, a Kansas City lawyer, was assistant attorney general in the Harding and Coolidge administrations. In 1931, he was disbarred by the District Bar Assn. The charge" was malpractice and unethical conduct in assignment of fees. The case involved a claim against the federal government handled in 1925 for the city of Cape May, N. J. in anticipation of his fee, Fletcher borrowed money. Until his death, Fletcher fought to be restored to law practice. He said the charges were "a wicked and malicious conspiracy."
Edmund C. Fletcher's mortal remains were returned to Overland Park, Kansas where they were laid to rest near those of his parents in the Tomahawk Cemetery in Overland Park, Johnson County, Kansas. See his Find A Grave Memorial# 11465093.
by Baxter B. Fite III and Chuck Helling, who is a great great grandson of Irvin Fletcher, through his son Edmund. Chuck resides in Lenexa, Kansas and his email address is [email protected]
(Baxter Fite would enjoy hearing from anyone, especially descendants, who might be able to add to the biography of Pvt. Irvin Fletcher, his time in the service, and his family. He would also love to locate a photograph of Edmund, especially one of him in his uniform from his days in the service, but, at this point, he would be happy with any picture of Edmund for his biography and for the Woodford County Historical Society.)
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