In all the various relations of life W. F. Fletcher bears an excellent reputation. As a citizen he upholds all movements of progress and improvement, and loyally supports the principles which lie at the foundation of good government. As a business man his integrity, justice and enterprise are well known and favorably mentioned among the people of Ottawa. In the home circle and in society his genial, happy manner and genuine kindliness of nature render his presence something to be wished for, and thus his friends are numerous.
The father of our subject, William G. Fletcher, is still living, and is now in his eighty-second year. He is a native of Virginia, and has followed the occupation of machinist as a means of gaining a livelihood. His wife, the mother of William F. Fletcher, bore the maiden name of Hester Griffin. To the marriage of William G. and Hester Fletcher four sons and two daughters were born, of whom the eldest sons, John and Stephen, are deceased, and the others are named, in order of birth, Catherine, George, Mary and William F. The mother is now seventy-eight years of age.
Our subject was born in Baltimore, Maryland, March 26, 1855, and when he arrived at a suitable age he commenced attending the public schools of Baltimore, where he laid the foundations of the liberal education which he now possesses. In 1875 he came to Ottawa, where he has been engaged in the manufacture of cigars since 1886. He enjoys an extensive patronage, which he justly deserves, owing to the high grade of work which is turned out under his supervision. He is the manufacturer of the celebrated Red Back brand, the reputation of which is not confined to LaSalle county limits, and also Fletcher's Key West and the original Montezuma, all of which are strictly hand-made.
The pleasant home of Mr. Fletcher is located at No. 927 Walnut street. He was married in 1875 to Miss Christiana Baisch, a daughter of Jacob Baisch. Mrs. Fletcher's parents were born in Germany and emigrated to America in 1848, coming direct to Ottawa, where they resided until 1887, when they moved to Madison, Nebraska, where they still reside. Our subject and wife have one child, Lillie B., born June 15, 1876, and is a welleducated, accomplished young lady, living with her parents. Mr. Fletcher is essentially a domestic man, usually passing his leisure time at home. He IS not a politician, but discharges his duty as a voter, his preference being the Republican nominees and principles.
Extracted by Norma Hass from Biographical and Genealogical Record of LaSalle County, Illinois published in 1900, volume 1, pages 169-170.
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