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Dr. Frank Fletcher was born at Jenkin's Bridge, Accomack County, Va., on the 1st of January, 1846, and died on the 23d of February, 1920. His primary education was received at private schools in his native county, and the call to arms in 1861 found him a student at Hamden-Sidney College.

At this time the schools of the State were practically closed, the students returning to their homes or enlisting in the army of the Confederate States in defense of their country. Frank Fletcher did not return to his home; but, without seeing home or friends, he hurried to Norfolk, and there enlisted in the Norfolk Light Artillery Blues, an ante-bellum military organization, the pride of the city. This company went at once into active service and was with the Army of Northern Virginia in all its campaigns from the Peninsula campaign to the furling of the flag at Appomattox, participating in all the battles of these campaigns. Frank Fletcher was with his company in all its fights, shirking no duty, but courting every danger, subjecting himself to every hardship necessary to the faithful performance of duty. The bugle call to battle brought no tremor to the hand nor feeling to the heart of this brave young soldier. On the contrary, it has been said of him that he seemed really to enjoy the "wild rapture of battle" in the performance of his duty.

At the close of the war he devoted himself to the study of medicine at the University of Virginia and later at the Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia and began the practice of his profession at his home and among his old neighbors. During this time his transcendent qualities, both as a man and physician, enabled him to win and hold the esteem and love of all those with whom he became associated.

Soon after the close of the war the old soldiers took steps to organize a Camp of Confederate Veterans for the "Eastern Shore" of Virginia. The position of Commander of this Camp was tendered to Dr. Fletcher. From the date of its organization to the day of his death he retained this position to the entire satisfaction of the Camp.

Dr. Fletcher at one time during the seventies represented his district in the Senate of Virginia, but after two terms his love for his home, his people, and his profession actuated him to decline a reelection. He would never accept any other political position.

When Dr. Fletcher was called home there "crossed over the river" to meet his Great Commander while here on earth a spirit as noble as any who was preceded him; when the grave claimed him there sank into its embrace a man in whom was confined in a very great degree the qualities that go to make up the kind neighber, the genial companion, the truthful, honest citizen, and the noble, warm-hearted Christian gentleman.

Soon after he entered upon the practice of his profession Dr. Fletcher married Miss Emma Hudgin, of Mathews County, Va., who survives him with three sons - Ashton, Dr. Richard, and Donald.