Fletcher, Brown Twp. Cemetery

Additional Cemetery Info...

By MRS. KENNETH MOTTER, for the 1950 Fletcher sesquicentennial
"In 1825 Alexander Oliver transferred a small tract of ground to the trustees of the first Methodist Church for a burying ground, as the first cemetery here. It appears this cemetery was located at the site of the Methodist church at Church and Main Streets. Today a parking lot. A second Methodist church was built without disturbing the little grave yard. In 1901 a third Methodist church was erected and the remains of those buried here were removed to the present Fletcher cemetery.

In 1843, a second burying ground was provided by the Presbyterian people adjacent to their church. At this place, one Revolutionary war soldier, Levi Munsell was buried in 1849, and on Memorial Day, he is among our honored dead. Veterans of the Civil War are also interred here.

Association Formed

A meeting for organizing a cemetery association was called February 9, 1861, in the Presbyterian church. Issac Dukenhimeer was chosen chairman, and Robert Duncan president. Seventy people formed the organization. A committee composed of Dr. C. Legg, Dr. F. H. Beamer, S. G. Brecount, Michael Duncan, Joseph Garbrey and John Earnhart, was appointed to obtain a proper location [for a new cemetery.]

In February 1861, Dr. Legg of this committee reported the selection of five acres in the southwest corner of the James Sims farm and adjoining Fletcher, at one hundred dollars an acre.

The officers elected at this meeting were: Isaac Dukemaneer, president, Dr. C. Legg, clerk, Isaac Kiser, treasurer, Joseph Garbry, George Throckmorton, John Earnhart, Samuel Sayers, George Caven, trustees. Dr. Legg’s plan for platting the grounds was accepted. The Association was to be called’ "The Fletcher Cemetery Association." The first deed for a lot was written to Michael Duncan.

The five acres were enclosed with a board fence and stiles built near the gates for visitors to enter the grounds. The first sexton was Henry A. Kephart, appointed in 1862.

In 1866 an addition of five acres was purchased from James Sims and in 1900, another addition was made. A "Potters Field" located in the south of the cemetery was moved to the northeast part in 1898.

Charles Emerick served for thirty years as superintendent.

By 1950 the cemetery had grown to 18 acres."

By 1998 the third and fourth additons were developed and add another 20 acres to the memorial park.