Biographies For Muscatine County Iowa 1889

Source: Portrait and Biographical Album, Muscatine County, Iowa, 1889, page 574
GEN. JONATHAN. E. FLETCHER, one of the pioneer citizens of Muscatine County, was born at Thetford, Vt., Jan. 1, 1806, and came to this county in 1838. In November of that year he purchased a tract of land six miles west of Muscatine, upon which he located in the fall of 1839. Previous to this he returned to Vermont, and there married Miss Frances Kendrick, a lady of culture and refinement. To them were born eight children: Frank F., now a practicing physician at Lake Superior; Eve, of Atlanta, Ga., Sam E., in the employ of Marshall Field & Co., Chicago; Glen D., a traveling salesman; Ella G., a music teacher of Atchison, Kan.; Grace, wife of Charles L.Warfield, of Muscatine; William K., traveling salesman; Lyle, passenger agent of the Texas & Pacific Railroad.

Gen Fletcher, during his life held many responsible offices in Territory and State. He was a member of the State Constitutional Convention, which formed the first constitution of the State. In 1846, he was appointed, by President Polk, Indian Agent for the Winnebagoes, and served in that position for eleven years. Few agents were better qualified to manage a tribe of Indians. The Winnebagoes, Sioux, and Chippewas were frequently at war, and he was often instrumental in settling their difficulties, and saving much bloodshed. Being a man of great firmness, and courage to face and surmount all difficulties, his services were invaluable. In all the arduous duties of the office Gen. Fletcher was accompanied by his faithful wife, who rendered him great assistance, and gave much of her time to teaching the Indians the English language. Dr. Frank Fletcher, the eldest son, was a playmate for the young Indians, and soon learned their language so well that he became his fathers interpreter.

Gen. Fletcher returned to Muscatine in 1858, and settled on his farm one mile from the city, where he remained until his death, which occurred April 6, 1872. As a citizen, he was true and loyal; as a husband and father, kind and affectionate; and as a Christian, devoted and faithful.

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