Freeman Fletcher Succumbs At 90

Herman Resident Had Resided On The Same Farm Since 1870

Freeman E. Fletcher, 90, resident of the same farm in the New England neighborhood near Herman for almost 70 years, died Sunday at his home.

Born January 24, 1849, in Searsmont, Maine, he came to Nebraska with his parents at the age of 19, and upon his marriage to Mary E. Cram on September 26, 1870, moved to the farm where he was to remain the rest of his life.

Mr. Fletcher was preceded in death by his wife, who died September 23, 1889, and by a daughter, Lucy, who succumbed March 4, 1890, when 10 years old.

Five daughters and two sons survived the aged Herman farm resident. They are Mrs. George Loftis of Blair, Mrs. Charles Hovendick, Mrs. Frank Loftis, Alma and Birdie Fletcher, all of Herman; Ed R. Fletcher of Herman and Lee R. Fletcher of Miles City, Montana. Twenty-six grandchildren and 45 great-grandchildren also survive.

Mr. Fletcher was baptized in April, 1877, as a member of the United Brethren church, but later united with the New England Baptist church. He was for many years a member of the school board in his district, and belonged to the Masonic lodge of Herman.

Funeral services were conducted yesterday afternoon at 2 o’clock at the Herman Baptist church, the Rev. T. J. Reese of Jefferson, Iowa, officiating, being assisted by the Rev. A. J. Miller of Craig.

Interment was in New England cemetery, with the Masons in charge of graveside rites. Six grandsons served as pallbearers. They were Lester Hovendick, Lloyd Fletcher, Chester Hovendick, Wayne Loftis, Delbert Fletcher and Freeman Loftis.

Fletcher, Freeman E., 90

Died 16 April 1939

Burial in New England cemetery

Published in Enterprise on 20 April 1939 (parts of this obituary are missing)

LONGTIME NEW ENGLAND FARMER DIES AT HOME

F.E. FLETCHER, RESIDENT OF COUNTY SINCE 1868, DIED SUNDAY

Freeman E. Fletcher was born in Searsmont, Maine, January 24, 1849 and passed away at his home April 16, 1939 at the age of 90 years, 2 months and 16 days.

He came to Nebraska with his parents from Maine at the age of nineteen, and has resided in the place where he died since his marriage in 1870.

He was the last surviving member of the Joseph Fletcher family.

He was united in marriage on September 26, 1870, to Mary ? and to this union eight children were born. He was preceded in death by his wife Mary, who passed away September 23, 1889, and daughter, Lucy, who died March 4, 1890, at the age of 10.

Five daughters and two sons survive: Mrs. George Loftis of Blair; Lee R., of Miles City, Montana; Mrs. Chas. Hovendick, Mrs. Frank Loftis, Ed F., and Alma and Birdie Fletcher, all of Herman. Twenty-six grandchildren and forty-five great grandchildren also survive.

He was a member of the school board for many years, and took an active part in affairs for the welfare and betterment of the community. He was a member of the Masonic lodge of Herman and was a man held in high repute by all who knew him, always loyal to his principles and true to his friends.

Funeral services were held at the Baptist church at Herman Wednesday after noon at two o'clock, Rev. T.J. Reese of Jefferson City, Iowa, officiating, assisted by Rev. A.J. Miller of Craig. Interment was made in the New England cemetery with the Masonic service at the grave. Six grandsons, Lester Hovendick, Lloyd Fletcher, Chester Hovendick, Wayne Loftis, Delbert Fletcher and Freeman Loftis, acted as pallbearers.

~~~ Obituary courtesy of the Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings on file in the Blair Public Library at Blair, Nebraska.~~~