ISAAC FLETCHER, farmer, located on section 7, Clyde Township, was born April 23, 1826, in Saltford, Somersetshire, England. His father, Isaac Fletcher, was born in England, and belonged to a family of unmixed English ancestry. He was an employee of the government, and operated to a considerable extent as a contractor on public works, occupying positions of trust and responsibility. He died at Saltford, Somersetshire, in 1879, and was nearly 90 years of age. Betsey (Smith) Fletcher, the mother, was born Oct. 31, 1791, in the same shire, and was the daughter of Thomas Smith, an English yeoman. She died in 1862, ag3ed 71 years. Their family included 10 children – one daughter and nine sons.

Mr. Fletcher remained under the control of his parents until he was 16 years of age, when he began to operate on his own account, and worked some years on the docks, canals and railroads in the interests of his government. He was married in Liverpool, England, March 4, 1850, to Elizabeth, daughter of Valentine Shaw. The father was born Feb. 14, 1801, in Northamptonshire, England, and when he was in advanced age (1851) came to the United States, dying 18 days after landing at the port of New York. Deborah (Clark) Shaw, her mother, was born in Weltoe, Northamptonshire, and came to the United States with her husband, two daughters, one son and a son-in-law, in the year following the marriage of the daughter. The mother died at Morrison, March 11, 1869, aged 62 years. Mrs. ?Fletcher was born in Newnham, Northamptonshire, Oct. 15, 1833, and was a resident there until she was 14 years of age, when she went with her parents to Liverpool. Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher have been the parents of 13 children, tow of who are deceased. Emma S. was born July 21, 1851, married Fayette Dimick, Oct. 132, 1874, and tey live at Exeter, Fillmore Co., Neb. Mr. Dimick is a town official where he lives, and is engaged in the sale of agricultural implements. He is a prominent and enterprising citizen. Debbie A., born March 8, 1853, married Alexander Wilson, June 15, 1876, and resides on a farm in Ustick Township. She was a teacher for many years. Mary E. was born Aug. 23, 1855. Phebe was born Nov. 28, 1859, and married James Stapleton, a farmer in Clark Co., D. T. She was also a teacher. Those named, besides one daughter, deceased, were born in Fredonia, N. Y. William was born Oct. 4, 1862; Charles, March 14, 1863; Allie E., Feb. 24, 1845; Jennie and James (twins) were born Dec. 19, 1867; Arthur, Jan 31, 1869; Theophilus, Nov. 14, 1871. Amelia, and another child who was not named, are deceased.

The family left England for America May 13, 1851, and they landed at the port of New York. From there they proceeded to Fredonia, Chautauqua Co., N. Y., where they resided some years. In 1860 they cme to Whiteside County, and located on the section on which they have since resided. It was under some improvements, and at the date of purchase contained 80 acres. The farm now comprises 200 acres, all under excellent cultivation. The farm buildings are first-class, and the place is stocked with cattle of the best grade. Mr. Fletcher justly ranks among the best citizens of his township, and is considered a representative agriculturist. The younger members of the family are well educated, and their social position second to none. Mr. Fletcher is active and influential in political connection, and is a Republican. He has acted in the local offices of the township, and is at present Commissioner of Highways. He knows of no relative in America save his own family. [Source: Portrait & Biographical Album, Whiteside Co., IL, Originally published 1885 - Chapman Bros., Chicago, IL – as transcribed on www.tampicohistoricalsociety.com]

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/SjJy9wbpt0U1ZpcyzooIZg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1I4tyh2e17I/SCN6HsYBV4I/AAAAAAAAKKc/UUjO6MzKODU/s144/100_0318.JPG" height="144" width="96" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/TampicoHistoricalSociety/MapsAtlases?feat=embedwebsite">Maps &amp; Atlases</a></td></tr></table> Click on photo to enlarge.