• Born: 14 Mar 1789, Alstead NH
• Died: 13 Jul 1866, Louisville KY

  General notes:

Silversmith and jeweler

  Events in his life were:

• Alternate Mark

• Alternate Mark

• Letter to Charles Fosdick Fletcher
  Private Collection
  
  

  Boston July 11th 1815 Dear Charles Yours by Mr. Frobisher [Benjamin C. Frobisher?] has come to hand. I have procured an advance book for you, and shall send it by the 20th Packet which I expect will sail today. I have also sent some letters from Lancaster and one from our mother who is now in Boston – you have sent some spoons but no directions about delievering them. I suppose they are for a gentleman in Exeter who called upon me sometime ago about them. I wish you would be more particular. I shall deliver them according to his directions – another payment has become due to our Sir according to Thomas's direction and I suppose he is in want of money. I shall send it to him when mother returns – I have rec'd the payt of D & B's [DAVIS & BROWN] bill. They said they measured the chain very accurate and it fell short two inches therefore deducted 25/100 from the bill. Remember me to George                                 Yours as ever                    Henry Fletcher

• He worked before 1818 as a silversmith and jeweler in Boston MA

• He worked in 1818-1829 as a silversmith and jeweler in Lexington KY ⁵

• Letter to Mrs. Hannah (Fletcher) Bennett
  Private Collection
  
  

  Lexington Kentucky Feb'y 7th 1822 Mrs. Hannah Bennett My dear Sister Your letter of Jan. 13th is just at hand by which I hear with extreme sorrow of your needfull situation, and were I possessed of thousands, how cheerfully would I relieve you of all your wants, but my situation here is such that I think I can truly say that I have not had any money at my command since I have been in Kentucky. I consider myself only as a Factor Hand here with goods belonging to other people, which when I sell, I am bound to return the proceeds. It is true I have advantage of the profit, if any, arising from the sale of the goods – but this country has been in such a distressed situation for two years past, that with all my exertions, instead of making money, I have lost considerable and my future prospects of making money are not very flattering – We have a paper money which is depreciated about half, as I am obliged to give sixteen dollars of our paper for ten dollars United States money. I am very sorry that our Parents are so deserted by their children in their old age. Nothing would give me more pleasure than to live near them, and be able to administer to their wants, but my destiny has fixed me in this remote corner of the earth, and how long it will be before I shall be able to visit you, I cannot tell. I have some hopes of doing it sometime in the course of next summer, but I cannot say certain how it will be – it is now nearly five years since I have visited you, and been in exile – Enough of gloomy reflections, let us cheer up & hope for better times. I have enclosed a ten dollar note, which you will accept and I know it will make your heart glad for a while. It is all I have at present that will help with you and if my business gets better in future, I am in hopes to be able to render you a little assistance occasionally – As you boys get old enough, you should put them to places where they can earn their own living, and thus relieve yourself of the burden of providing for them – Remember me to all friends – I remain your                  affectionate brother Henry Fletcher

• He worked in 1830-1854 as a silversmith and jeweler in Louisville KY ⁵

• Advertised in the Louisville Daily Journal (Louisville KY), 24 Nov 1830, announcing the opening of a shop on Main Street and that he was taking orders for ". . . sets of silverplate which would be executed in Philadelphia." ⁵

• He was a partner circa 1832-1845 with Abner Reeves in Louisville KY as FLETCHER & REEVES. Reeves was a watchmaker and it is unclear if he was an actual partner in the business, an employee, or simply renting working space. ⁵

• Letter from Thomas Charles Fletcher
  Private Collection
  
  

  Philada March 13, 1835 Mr Henry Fletcher Dear brother I have yours of the 2nd inst. - The draft in favor of Blake has been accepted - The goods you have ordered will be sent off as soon as they can be got ready - I shall send you also a dozn Musical Boxes same as last at $5.50 having obtained a lot a little lower than the last - I shall also send you a few more silver amusements which are very salable here - Earrings with stones are coming into fashion - you must sell off your filigree & chased if you have any - Gold levers [?] are scarce at present - I have very few on hand - I will send you one or two - I have now two plain spoon makers - if you can send me some stock to make them with I can now get up a good assortment for you ----- Thos Fletcher

• Letter from Fletcher & Bennett in Philadelphia
  Private Collection
  
  

  Philada May 24th 1836 Meßrs Fletcher & Reeves Bot [sic] of Fletcher & Bennett   4 Dozen Silver Table Spoons 84.08     126.98 5      "       Do     Tea     Do 26.03     42.62 5               Do     Cream Ladles 6.03     9.74 1 Gold Guard Key     3.75   6        "         "         "   @ 3 18.00   4        "         "         "   2 3/4 11.00   1        "         "         "     2.50   6 pr Sil Spectacles Sliding Sides, extra glasses   2.50 15.00   ½ doz white & red plumes    16 in   12 6.00   ½     "         "    &    "         "             22   21 10.50   2 Doz Silk work Watch Guards   3 3/4 7.50   1 Sil Watch Disk ea $2½ - 2¾ - 3¼ - 3½     12.00   2     "         "         "   3 6.00   4 Grs Lunette Watch glasses   12 48.00   6 Doz fine Steel Keys   1 5/8 9.75   1 Grs Steel Rings             90 150.90 1/2 Doz Silver Guard Keys   5 – 2.50 2.50 1 Gold P. L. Watch double cases, chased edge &P. - E. T -- gold border & center Dial 12 holes jewelled steel ratchet &c S. I. Tobias & Co - L'pool № 9300       145.00 1 Gold P. L. Watch double bottom cases E. T. chased edge &P. plain Gold Dial -- Johnson № 38479       75.00 2 Silver Patent Lever Watches Double bottom best finish Ryley & Son № 8750$38.50 & John Harrison № 5876 $38.50           97.00       Amount over 629.74 — page two — Amount brot [sic] up     629.74 1 Silver Patent Lever Watch Double Cases S. I. Tobias & Co       35.00 1 Silver Anchor Escapement Watch 6 holes jewelled 3 Ruby Pallets compensating curb -- Brothers Melly № 5084       38.50   Comm on $150.90   @ 5 per ct   7.54   Box Porterage & Cooperage             2.00           $712.78 PhiladaMay 24th1836 Meßrs Fletcher & Reeves                         Gentn — Herewith we have the pleasure to hand you an invoice of goods a part of your order of the 23rd ulto, which we have forwarded to Meß A. & G. Baldwin Balt–               We find it impossible to get the watches as you describe without purchasing the movements and having them cased here — this we have done and they are now in the hands of the case maker. We shall forward them as soon as they are done — The d'ble case Silver Watch now sent is ours that has been worn a little but is as good as new. The price of the same quality new is $39 — We have enclosed the music and music paper from Blake in this box Your letter of the 18th inst enclosing four hundred dollars is to hand and the amount placed to your credit. The pistoles were purchased as low as they could be had here – they were of the best quality Respectfully                         Your Obt Servants Fletcher & Bennett

• Letter from Fletcher & Bennett
  Private Collection
  
  

  Philada Dec 23rd 1836 Mesrs Fletcher & Reeves          Gentn                            Your favour of the 12th inst enclosing Bill of Exchange for $500 on Mesrs Grigg & Elliott is received, the bill has been accepted and will be placed to your credited at maturity.     We shall forward your accounts current as soon as possible.     The goods for Mr Wickliffe were sent direct to Lexington some months since - the article for Mr Wallace only waits an opportunity to be forwarded. We are obliged to you for this remittance and remain Respectfully                                 Your obbt servants             Fletcher & Bennett

  
  

• Letter from Thomas Charles Fletcher
  Private Collection
  
  

  Philada 20.May 1837 Dr brother,          I hand you a draft on Genl Lytte at thirty days sight for $66.50 which Mr Gardiner supposed might be in your power to collect.          I wrote you from New York and informed you of the gloomy situation of things there.          Matters did not get quite so bad here, but money is very scarce, notwithstanding the stoppage of specie payments, which enables the bank to extend a little --- I succeeded in getting goods from B. G. to the amount of my liabilities for him, but I shall be obliged to pay the drafts as they fall due, unless can be renewed which is very doubtful as the Bank which has them has failed. --- I do not know what mode you can adopt to make remittance, but hope you can get U. S. Bank notes – and I shall be very greatly obliged if you can help me by the 10th of next month at farthest.---          I hope to hear from you soon to learn that you arrived safe home and that business is better with you than it is here --- our families are all well Yr brother          Th C. Fletcher

• Letter from Fletcher & Bennett
  Private Collection
  
  

  Philada Aug 25. 1838 Dear Brother,          Your favour of the 10th inst was duly rec'd enclosing a bill for $700 – which we have placed to your credit and now annex your account current showing a balance in your favor of $4.93 – This remittance has come to us very opportunely when we are greatly in want of funds, and we are happy that you have had it in your power to send it to us.          We shall settle with Mr Gessimen at your request and send you his receipt ---          We have made arrangements with the son and successors of M. J. Tobias* for a supply of their fine watches and shall be able to supply you with the quantity you may want this fall --- we expect also a large assortment of fine geneva Anchor & l'Epine watches gold & silver --- if you want any before you visit Philada we will send you some. --- The fall business has not yet commenced, but we hope for a good business yet before the year closes. The weather continues hot here --- Yr truly          Fletcher & Bennett

• Letter from George E. Blake
  Private Collection
  
  

  Philadelphia Novr 30th 1838 Mr Henry Fletcher Dear Sir, I had the pleasure of receiving your letter of the 12th Novr --- enclosing Bill of Exchange on New York for Five Hundred Dollars, which has been paid and placed to your credit --- but your small draft of 21 dollars, or such amount as Young, Smith & Co of New York may have to your Ct --- No answer has yet been received by the Bank where I deposited it for collection --- more than that the draft has been received at New York --- when paid and the amount ascertained I will advise you of the same. In a few days I hope to send off via Wheeling, the balance of your order of Music, or such part of it as we have since been able to procure --- the principle part of it was forwarded by Baltimore & Wheeling, some time ago --- of which I had the pleasure to inform you by post --- With much respect Your Obt Servt George E. Blake The weather is now mild And likely to continue so a little longer

  
  

• Letter from A. A. Browne
  Private Collection
  
  

  Philada 5 March 1839 Dear Sir,          Your letter of 18 inst came to hand. I showed it to the Mßrs Vernons, they say they have no recollection of any payment having been made by you on account of the goods.          Please make out & send to me a statement of the account, so that if its found right may be settled on their books --- The 2 pair Astral lamps I will give some person an order to receive from you.          Please be particular in the statement you send me. Yr respectfully          A A Browne of L Vernon & Co

  
  

• Letter from Thomas Charles Fletcher
  Private Collection
  
  

  Philada Nov 12.1840 Dear brother,                Yours of the 24th Sept. came duly to hand since which I haven’t had occasion to write until this time. The goods left with me by Calvin W. Bennett are still on hand, with the exception of some of the spoons, which I have used to fill up orders I received to manufacture the same kinds, and I thought it would suit you as well to let me have them as the same prices they would cost to manufacture, rather than keep them longer on hand. The amount of sale I have given on the other side – Only a part of the money has been received but I expect to get the whole by the time I get your answer to this. I haven’t yet paid any of the Bills you mentioned in your last. I now write to inform you that Calvin has returned to the City and hired a store at the corner of 8th & Chestnut Street. He called on me today, and made a demand of the goods belonging to you which were left in my hands by — page two — him, before he went to the country. I answered that I had receive orders from you to dispose of the goods and pay over the proceeds as directed – He denied my right to do so, and said he had only stored them here and had a right to take them away again – I asked him whether he had renewed his agreement with you and he declined answering the question – He inquired whether I had paid away any of the money, I told him I had not but intended to do so – he intimated that he should expect me to pay it over to him if I had not parted with it – Under these circumstances I have thought it proper to write to you for instructions what to do, and await your answer, which I hope to receive by return of mail, in the mean time I shall hold everything in suspense* -- In this stage of the business I shall not pretend to offer any opinion in relation to the course you may see fit to take presuming your own good sense will be your guide in the matter Remaining always                     Yr friend & brother         Thos Fletcher — page three — P. S. We have had little business since October began but now the Elections are over I hope it will begin to move         Goods are scarce and likely to be so this fall & winter –           We are all in good health --   Account of Sale Made 1  doz.  Table  Spoons  Thd &  shell  wt.  38.10  mak'g  12. 1  "  " " Thd only " 39.5 " 12 2  " Dessert " —  " — " — " 56.15 " 20 1  " Tea " — " — shell " — 13.13 " 5. oz.  148.3  @ $ 125 – 185.19 $ 234.19 10 Nov 12.   1840 244.19   *I wish you to say what I shall do with the goods and what I shall do with the money?

• Letter Letter from Jonathan F. And Benjamin F. Meek
  Private Collection
  
  The Meek brothers operated a watchmaking and jewelry shop in Frankfort KY from 1839 to 1852. They were also well known for manufacturing fishing reels.
  
  

  Frankfort Feb 17th 1841 Dr Sir, We are happy to be able to send one hundred dollars. We have money enough to send you the whole amt some of it is not entirely currency. But please send the note up (first cancell it so that if it should be lost or stolen we will not have to pay again) and by the time it comes we will have the balance for you & send it down without delay — You must excuse the delay in not meeting those notes more promptly for it has not been our fault we assure you. We are your friends with respect J. F. & B. F. Meek

• Letter from John C. Farr in Philadelphia
  Private Collection
  
  

  Philada Aug. 9. 1842 Mr Hy Fletcher Louisville, Dear Sir            In reference to the lot of gold you sent me, I have had the common part cleaned and run into an ingot, it melted down to 25 6/24 dwt and after assaying find it to be worth 34c the dwt, less 50c for the work done. The best offer I had for the 92 dwt fillagree &c is 55c, for 63 dwt fine 70c. I am not using gold just now and can only obtain the above prices in a/c, not cash. I am almost always sorry to receive old gold as a remittance -- it is seldom satisfactory as to the value in the estimation of both parties. I add a statement underneath and will make no use of the gold until I hear from you -- the value is the upmost I can obtain for it. Respectfully            John C Farr 25 6/ dwt 34c $8.58   less for cleaning /50 $8.08 92 dwt 55c 50.60 63    " 70c 44.10   Total 102.78

• Letter from John C. Farr in Philadelphia
  Private Collection
  
  
  
  
  

  Philada Jany 19 1843 Mr Hy Fletcher            Dear Sir                       On the other side I send you a statement of A/c showing a balance to your debit of Two 57/100 dollars. I am oblidged to you for your remittance and hope you may shortly fnd business to improve and warrant the sending an order for something in our line. Respectfully            John C Farr You will observe there was nothing over to pay Mr Blake                                           JCF

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  Mr Hey Fletcher To John C Farr Dr   1841     Aug. 26 To Merchandise $267.28 Oct 15 To           " 128.57     Interest a/c Dr. $267.28 due Feb 26, 1842 mos. 10 1/2 5/4% $14.02 $128.57 " Apr 15, 1842 9 1/2 4/2 $5.78 Interest Cr   $19.80 $102.78 paid Apr 26, 1842 4 1/2 4/2 $2.30 17.50 413.35     1843 Jany 19 By Cash $310.00 Less $2 to M. McKim & Holden $308.00 1842 Sep 6 By Cash 102.78 410.78 Balance due JCF 2.57 Philada Jany 19, 1843

• Letter Letter from Jonathan F. And Benjamin F. Meek
  Private Collection
  
  

  Frankfort Dec 8th 1845 Mr Fletcher We herein send you thirty dollars the balance on that note, (which you please send us by mail first taking off our name) which we ought to have sent to you a week ago but for unavoidable circumstances which we have explained in previous letters. We shall certainly pay the other note before the middle of January if we are not more disappointed than we ever have been. However as money seems more plenty than it has been for a year past we dont much fear but we can pay you in January perhaps sooner if it is possible. You may rest assured it will be done -- every effort on our part shall be used. Respectfully your friends J. F. & B. F. Meek

• Letter from Mssrs GM & GR Justice & Co.
  Private Collection
  
  

  Recd November 12th 1846 of Henry Fletcher pr hands of G M & G R Justice & Co - One hundred and five dolls on account. $ 105.00 Cornelius & Co Per B Thackary Philada 1 Mo 12. 1846 Henry Fletcher        Respected Friend               Thy letter of 2nd inst to our A B Justice came duly to hand enclosing check on E W Clark & Co for seven hundred & sixty dollars & a ten dollar Maryland Note out of which we have paid by thy direction as follows To  H & W Dubosq amt note less disct & Exchge  192.09  "  John M Harper "— "— "— "— "—  265.20  "  Klemm & Bro "— "— disct 5% -  72.45  "  W H Horstmann & Sons "— "— "—   68 —     In full thy note to us less 5% disct 66.89      Balance as per rect above to Cornelius & Co  105      Amt of remittance   $770  We enclose all the notes which we have paid off - cancelled. McAllister & Co refused to discount 5% for cash & as thee directed provided that discount was taken off - it was to be paid - we have supposed that thee wished the money paid where it would command that disct & have passed the whole balance over to Cornelius & Co. We mentioned these circumstances to C & Co & if thee still wishes — page two — McAllister & Co note paid - they will attend to it. Klemm & Bro said their note had run too long to take off 5% & Exchange also - but they would allow 5% – which me thoughts fair & so settled the note. The patterns we send by the same mail with this letter. - We presume it will rate as a pamphlet at 2 1/2 cts per ounce - postage. Enclosed in a letter it would be 20 cts per ounce - Accept our thanks for our share And believe us                             Thy friends                 GM & GR Justice & Co — page three — Philada 11/12/"46 Esteemed Uncle     I add a few lines to say we are all in good health & that the family desire their love to you - We heard of your word loss at Baltimore some time since & were truly sorry for it - as you say Baltimore has been an unfortunate place for you - I have transferenced your letter to me & the funds to our firm for the convenience of taking receipts & making entrees in our Books & hope what I have done will give satisfaction - Calvin Bennett paid us a visit a short time since He is about to open store in Johnstown Pa & came on for the purpose of purchasing goods - He said you ought to have stopped to see him - He would have been glad to see you - Louise insinuates that crochet work could be done quite as well in Philada as Louisville & sent out without any difficulty if Uncle Henry was disposed to employ some of his poor relations - which means I suppose that a certain industrious sister in law of mine is somewhat ambitious to do something towards maintaining herself & is rather fond of that kind of fancy work - Give our kind regards to Charles and take your own share also. - We hope C & her little one are well & that the present will find you recovered from your cold - Your nephew & friend         A B Justice

• He was a partner in 1852-1866 with Charles Fletcher Bennett in Louisville KY as FLETCHER & BENNETT. Bennett had formerly been an employee, 1843-1852. Firm listed in the 1859 city directory at 163 Main Street. ⁵

• Alternate Mark for FLETCHER & BENNETT

• He appeared on the 1860 census taken at Louisville KY, listed as a jeweler.

• Schematic map of the Fletcher & Bennett family business connections.
  Red lines indicate formal partnerships; green lines informal dealings. Click an individual to go to their page.