A Tragedy in Vermont

Joash K. Fletcher was the fourth child of Justus and Sally (Glynn) Fletcher, born in Springfield, Vermont on August 28, 1815. Following his mother’s death on August 13, 1818 he moved with his father to Chester, Vermont, a short distance to the west. Joash’s father, Justus, remarried in 1819 to Thankful Sherman Leland and they resided on a farm in Chester, VT.

On December 8, 1842 Joash married Nancy Pond, daughter of Jonathan and Nancy (Fuller) Pond of Chester, VT. Nancy’s older brother, Stephen F. Pond had married Joash’s older (1 year) sister, Olive L. Fletcher (when she was fifteen years old). Stephen and Olive moved from Chester, VT to Acworth, NH where they lived out their lives. Joash and Nancy (Pond) Fletcher lived on a one hundred thirty-five acre farm and had five children. Joash also managed the Chester town farm.

The children of Joash and Nancy (all born in Chester, VT.) were:

1. Martin J., b. November 24, 1844 . . . . d. September 17, 1845.

2. Harry Augustus b. May 28, 1847 . . . . d. July 16, 1864.

3. Charles F., b. March 10, 1849. He married in Chester, January 17, 1877,

Mary A. Hadley of Cavendish, VT. Charles and Mary relocated to

Claremont, NH and he later became a State Representative for that area.

4. Mary Jane, b. March 15, 1851. She married in Springfield, VT, March 24,

1886, Croyden L. Fish of Shrewsbury, VT. She died of pneumonia after

a two day illness with grip on May 8, 1903.

5. Julia M., b. February 19, 1855. She married in Ludlow, VT on September 4,

1881, Horace S. Walker of Westminster, VT.

The following account is from the local newspaper: The tragedy on May 16, 1884:

----Chester, 16 May 1844: “ A sad accident occurred in this village last Sabbath (11 May) by which Joash Fletcher of Chester will undoubtedly lose his life. Mr. Fletcher had driven to this place (Ludlow) for the purpose of conveying Miss Ruth Pollard to Smokeshire, where she had engaged to teach school this summer. On his homeward way with Miss Pollard on the seat beside him and her trunk in the buggy before them, the horse became frightened when in front of Judge Walker’s at an approaching bicycle driven by W. S. Gill, and Mr. Fletcher got out to hold the animal. After the passage of the wheel, Mr. Fletcher waited a moment for the horse to calm down, and then got into the wagon, resting his left hand (holding the reins) on the trunk; as he turned partly round to grasp the back of the seat for the purpose of letting himself down into his seat easily, the horse started up quickly, causing Mr. Fletcher to lose his balance and fall out upon the ground; but still clinging to the reins, he caused the horse to turn sharply toward the Baptist church, which motion tipped the trunk out. In its fall it evidently struck the prostrate man’s hand and arm causing him to relax his hold of the reins. Freed from restraint, the horse ran against the church steps and was thrown, Miss Pollard jumping out, unhurt.

Judge Walker, who had been attracted to the window by Mr. Fletcher’s vocal efforts to calm the horse, immediately went to his assistance and found him raised up on his elbow, but unable to further help himself. Assistance being at hand, the wounded man was carried into Mr. Walker’s house and Dr. Boardman called, who found that no bones were broken, but that the left side was paralyzed. Finding the man seriously hurt, it was deemed best to take him home, a distance of eight miles, which was done by Benoni B. Fullam. Up to this time Mr. Fletcher seemed dimly conscious of what was going on, but unable to converse intelligibly. Drs. Spafford and Eddy were immediately called, who found that the accident had probably fractured his skull and/or produced a paralytic shock on his left side and an ugly gash on his left temple.

At one o’clock Sunday night a telephone dispatch was sent to Bellows Falls to his son and daughter, so they arrived home at 7 o’clock a.m. Monday. Mr. Fletcher they thought came to himself enough so he knew his children, but he could not speak to any of them. He has not spoken since the accident. He was a hard working man, always attending to his own affairs. The family have the sympathy of the whole community. He was still alive at last accounts yesterday, but not expected to survive long. He lies in a very critical condition at this writing and is not expected to live.”

Joash died on Saturday, 17 May, 1884 (age 68 yrs. 8 mos. 20 days.)

His farm was sold, as well as implements, household furniture, etc. in October 1884 (Jacob A. Marsh, Administrator).