The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1903-08-21
DEATH OF WILLIAM FLETCHER.
AResident of Owosso For Sixty eight
Years.

The death of William Fletcher, which
occurred at his home, corner of Oliver
and Park streets, on Saturday morning
last removes one of the well known and
highly respected men of the community.
Mr.. Fletcher had been in rather poor
health for several years but had been
about until within two months when he
became too i'll to leave home. He failed
gradually until the end which came
suddenly, when, as he arose to cross the
room he died instantly in his wife's
arms. Death was caused by Bright's
disease and heart failure. He had been
troubled with kidney trouble since fall
ing at his mill number of years ago.
Mr.. Fletcher was born in England,
June 2. 1923, came to this country with
his parents when an infant and at the
age of seven years to Owosso, which has
been his home since. His parents came
to this city with the Daniel Ball col
ony passing their first night after ar
irving here at the home of Judge Com
stock, Mr. Fletcher being compelled to
sleep back of the kitchen stove, as there
was no bed for him. His father, Daniel
Fletcher, was one of the sturdy pioneers
of this county, a strong, fearless, trust
worthy citizen who did much toward
the upbuilding of the community, be-
ing frequently placed in important posi-
tions. But few people living have
been residents of the city so long
a period as had William Fletchey-
sixty -eight years. Practically all this
time was spent here, his only long alb
sence being period of two years which
he spent in company with David Gould
and David Wheeler in Texas and other
southern states. While in the south his
stepmother, to whom he was greatly
devoted, died.
On his return to the city he became
interested in various lines, devoting his
time for years to the business Of D. l..
Thorpe & Co., in which he was finan-
cially interested. His connection with !
this firm ultimately resulted in quite a |
large financial loss to him. Afterward
he came into possession of the Little |
Grist Mill" which formerly stood on
West Main street near the bridge. He |
continued this business for a number of |
years, finally giving it up owing to an
injury. He has looked after his farm,
west of the city, and business property |
in the city since, giving large part of
his time to the work of improving and
identifying the family residence. In |
1874 he was married to Mrs. L. B Davis,
of this city, who with her daughter, Mrs
F H Gould survive him -
Mr.. Fletcher was devoted to home |
and family. seemingly taking his great
est enjoyment when surrounded by his
family and grandchildren. His early |
training was along religious lines, and
the ideas he received then made last
ing impression. He was student of |
the bible, having memorized many por
tions of it, and had strong faith in and |
reverence for God, although never a
of any church. He was for
years an attendant at and contributor |
to the Congregational church. He met |
death with confidence that was assur-
ing to those about him.
The funeral services were held at the |
home Wednesday afternoon, conducted
by Rev. G. H. Hanks. A number of |
the older residents of the city and coun-
ty were present to pay their last tribute
of respect to the friend whom they had !
known for so many years. A number of |
floral pieces spoke the affection of rela-
tives and friends better than could
words. The remains were placed tenn
porarily in the vault at Oakhill. Among
those present from out of the city to at
tend the funeral were Mrs. Davie Whit
ney, Mrs B. G. VIII they and Mrs.
Larned, of Detroit.y