Joel FLETCHER

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Joel, b. in Lyndon, Vt., Mar. 3, 1818; the last of his father's nine children, and the only issue of the 2d marriage. His mother, the widow of Levi Brackett, had five children by her former marriage; and hence Joel had a numerous circle of half-brothers and half-sisters, older than himself. Naturally enough he would be a pet in such a household; but like them he was inured in early life to hard work, and trained to industrious habits, and his youth was passed in incessant employment. His schooling was by no means neglected: yet, corresponding with the exigencies of the times, his opportunities were small, and the district school and an academy in Haverhill furnished his educational training. His special proficiency was in mathematics, and his skill and accuracy in mental computations were greatly useful in the wide extended business of his later life. Illustrative of his energy, hardihood, and capability, it is related that when only thirteen years of age, he took a four-horse team, in midwinter, laden with surplus products of his father's farm and his mother's loom, to the city of Portland, two hundred and ten miles distant, sold his produce, and brought back goods needed from the city market; this, across a thinly settled country, though the Willey Notch, and over bleak hills, in the rigor of a northern winter.

To the rigid training of the boy was due the stern habit of the man: in labor always tireless, rapid, efficient. At an early age he stepped to the front in charge of the fam on which his father settled; and he continued until about thirty years of age engrossed in its care and management.

He m. Jan. 15, 1840, Zerviah Townsend Meigs, who was b. 1818, and survives him; a fit helpmeet in his lifework, sharing his labor, and effectually contributing to his success.

His labor was not confined to the pursuits of his private interests. He was a member of the local agricultural society, and encouraged every improvement in the farming interest.

In 1856 he turned his attention to mercantile pursuits, purchasing an interest in a business in St. Johnsbury, Vt., which he shortly assumed, and, applying his indefatigable energy, built up in a few years a very extensive and successful trade. Bt such application overtaxed his physical system; and, relinquishing to his son Henry E. his business inVermont, he sought rest, removing, 1870, to Lake City, Minn., where he was president of the bank and mayor of the city. He was also largely concerned in business in St. Paul and Minneapolis.

After his removal to the West, it was his custom to return frequently to his boyhood's home and the field of his manhood's earlier achievements, to renew the memories of his youth, and yo refresh himself in the society of his friends. On one of these visits he d. suddenly at St. Johnsbury, Feb. 16, 1875.

An estimate of his character, which is, no doubt, just, says: "Busy, restless, active in mind and body; aggressive, ambitious, positive in nature; enterprising, energetic, and courageous in his actions; large-hearted, straightforward, and honest in his dealings, - he was admired and respected by all. In a long life of active business he never became to the slightest extent financially embarrassed. Frank, open, and candid himself, he despised hypocrisy in others. In habits he was strictly temperate, eschewed the use of liquors and tobacco, and personally abhorred them. If there be any single characteristic of his entire life, it is the resolute, unceasing progress from small beginnings to distinguished results, accomplished by his own unaided efforts, by the most unflagging pertinacity, courage, and ability. The only genius he possessed was that for hard work, but his talents were of no inferior order. The massive granite pedestal marking his resting place and surmounted by a granite statue of heroic size, seems a fair representation of his life, - plain, enduring, and eminent for solidity."

Joel married Zerviah Townsend MEIGS on 15 Jan 1840. Zerviah (daughter of Anson MEIGS and Dorothy LEAVITT) was born on 09 Jan 1819; died in Dec 1873. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

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Joel, b. in Chesterfield, N.H., Nov. 26, 1763; m. Lucy Hubbard, who was b. Nov. 26, 1763, and d. Sept. 24, 1814. In 1793, being then twenty-nine years of age, he removed from Chesterfield with his wife and two children, and following his older bros. Samuel and James to the State of Vermont, he purchased a tract of wild land in the town of Lyndon, a few miles distant fromSamuel, who had settled at Waterford, on the Connecticut River. Here he constructed a long-cabin, and proceeded to clear off the forest. His choice of location was wisely made, and a fine farm with fruitful soil was developed in course of time. In person, tall and muscular, he possessed, to a striking degree, the bold, energetic powers demanded by the circumstances and the times. As the country became settled and populated, he was foremost in laying out for the public good. He founded the public school and built the schoolhouse; he gave the land for the cemetery, and for the site of the academy. the title of "captain" attached to him from having been selected as leader of a band of farmers, who, in the war of 1812, organized for their common protection. He m. 2d, Mary H. (Haines), widow of Levi Brackett; at that time the mother of five children. She was b. July 14, 1773, and d. Jan. 14, 1853.

Capt. Joel Fletcher was a man of high standing and influence in the community; and "full of days and riches and honor," he d. Jan. 6, 1858, spared to the age of ninety-four to enjoy the fruits of his industry, and to witness the general comfort and prosperity of his numerous descendants. A fine monument in the cemetery at Lyndon points out the place of his interment.

Joel married Mary HAINES. Mary was born on 14 Jul 1773; died on 14 Jan 1853. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

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He went with Capt. Osgood's company in Nova Scotia expedition, in 1755, and appears to have settled in Chesterfield, N.H., about the same time his brother John went to New Ipswich.

James married ? UNKNOWN. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

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He is mentioned in the Mass. Documents as being in Concord about 1767. His great-grandson Luther J. says, "He was in the French and Indian war, and was a great hunter. I have the powder-horn which hung at his side while he hunted and fought. He, with a Capt. Church, at one time entered the camp of the Indian chief Annawan, ascertained the strength of that warrior's forces, and then guided our troops that surprised and routed them. In another battle a French general fell dead by a ball from his musket."

Timothy married Elizabeth PARKER. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]