Mrs. Mary Ann Fletcher, widow of the late Squire Thomson Fletcher, of Waddams Twp., is a native of West Graton, Tompkins Co., NY and was born June 7, 1825. Her father, E.Hatch,a native of Norwich, Conn., was born July 20, 1798 and departed this life in Newburg, Pike Co IL in 1842. Her paternal grandfather, also E. Hatch, spent his last years in Tompkins Co. NY where his birth took place about 1761. The first representative of the family in this country emigrated from Wales during the Colonial days, locating in New England. Grandfather Hatch served 5 years in the Revolutionary War, and his Christian name, which descended from his grandfather, has been handed down to each generation since.

The father of Mrs. Fletcher remained in his native State until ayouth of 17 years and then emigrated to Tompkins Co NY where, after a few years, he was united in marriage with Elizabeth Wing, of Cayuga Co. This lady was born at Alburg, Grand Isle Co VT and was the daughter of Joseph, and the grandaughter of Giles Wing, of Wales. After their marriage the young people emigrated to Ohio, locating in Trumbull Co. in 1826. Six years later they again started westward, and coming into this State located near Newbury, where they spent the remainder of their lives.

Mrs. Fletcher remained with her parents until her marriage. Her husband,Thomas Fletcher, was born in West Virginia, sept.24, 1806, while his parents were en route from PA to KY. His father, Thomas Fletcher Sr, was also a native of the Old Dominion. The family was originally from England, and the first representative in this country, aslo Thomas by name, served in the War of 1812. Thomas Fletcher Sr. settled in PA where he was married and whence he subsequently migrated to KY being among the earliest settlers of Bath County. He served in the War of 182, and died after receiving his discharge while on his way home.

Thomas Fletcher Jr., grew to manhood in KY and in 1830 emigrated north to IN, whence he removed the year following to Scott Co. this State and subsequently to Richland County. He had learned blacksmithing, and followed his trade until in 1854, when he repaired to Jo Daviess Co., settling in the town of Warren. He did not long remain there, bu tlater removed to Rush Township, where his death took place in 1865. He enlisted as a Union soldier in the late war, but was not accepted on account of physical disability.

Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher became the parents of 6 children, of whom the record is as follows; Elizabeth is the wife of John Swart, of Rice County KY; Eunice P., Mrs. Henry Harris, living on a farm in Waddams Twp; Thomas Harlow born in 1856 died in infancy; Ellsworth born in 1853 died in 1864; Joseph Ede Fletcher was born in Newburg Sept. 13, 1845 and during the progress of the late enlisted Aug. 10, 1862 in Co. E 96th IL Vol. Inf. and died in the service at Danville KY Feb. 9, 1863; Estella is the wife of George J. Harris a native of Wilmington, Essex Co NY., born Aug. 24, 1856, and the son of Smith Harris of that State. He came to this county in 1880 and was married to Miss Fletcher at the home of the bride in Wadams Twp. March 11, 1885.

Portrait and Biographical Album of Stephenson County, Illinois Chicago: Chapman Brothers, 1888