Charles-H_-Fletcher-85065

Obituary

Major Charles A. Fletcher, Seducer. Shot and Killed January 2, at Keosauqua, Iowa, by John Brown, the brother of his victim. Records of this character are of sufficient frequency in the volume aforesaid to have given the reporter no special reason for a second thought in this particular one, but attached to the page was a slip cut from the Globe-Democrat of Friday, which went to show that Major Fletcher, in the transaction which led to his death, had been a visitor to St. Louis, and here the crime for which he paid with his life was brought home to him. Miss Brown had been found in St Louis, the printed paper said, and why might not the aid of the police have been called in to secure that end? By cautious inquiry the subjoined facts were ascertained, In June last a man called on a very respectable lady, keeping a boarding house on North Eighth street, in this city, and secured apartments for his wife (so-called) He was of middle age, and had a brisk business way about him, and an air of one in fair circumstances, which made the lady to make terms with him. After everything had been arranged, he paid a month's board in advance, and when about to depart, said that he would be absent from the city the greater portion of the time, but that his wife, whom he would bring up in the evening, would prove a regular boarder. When evening came the man brought a young woman to the house named, and after introducing her as his wife, Mrs. Brown, again departed. The new boarder was very reticent and keep her room most of the time, making no acquaintances. This attracted no special attention from the landlady, for she was in a delicate condition and might readily be excused for a desire to remain quiet. On the 10th of July, "Mrs. Brown" gave birth to a child. In the depression which followed this event the mother let drop certain words which led the kindhearted woman in whose charge she was to suspect that all was not right. To the inquiry whether she had heard recently from her husband, "Mrs. Brown" said, "No; and i have no money to pay for board or medical treatment and I do not know what I am to do." The landlady endeavored to have her confess the precise situation in which she stood. but the young womans sobs and moans, refused, saying it would do no good. This was equivalent to admitting a dark side to her history, and the landlady, seeing no other way out of her trouble, called on Chief McDonough and laid the case before him. She showed him a key tag that she had found in "Mrs. Browns" room, on which was inscribed "Miss lizzie Brown, Keosauqua, Iowa." The chief, taking this as a clue, immediately wrote the following letter to the postmaster at Keosauqua: Dear Sir: Some days since there arrived in this city a young woman, in company with a man, who, after securing lodging for her, left for parts unknown. The woman referred to gave the name of Lizzie Brown, and I have every reason to believe that it is her correct name, inasmuch as her bunch of keys contained a small metal plate stamped "Lizzie Brown, Keosauqua, Iowa." A few days ago, Lizzie gave birth to a child, in consequence of which she is left in a destitute and helpless condition among strangers. She is not disposed to reveal her identity; hence my object in communicating with you is to ascertain, if possible, who she is, and apprise her friends of her condition, and present whereabouts. An early reply will oblige. Very respectfully, Jas. McDonough, Chief of Police. A few days after the receipt of the above letter George A. Henry, Esp., editor of the Keosauqua Republican, called upon the chief, and very kindly returned thanks for the timely and valuable information received Mr. Henry accompanied an officer to the boarding house, were he identified Lizzie, and held a lengthy consultation; she was very much depressed in spirits and deeply sensible of her position, but she made a clean breast of the whole affair. Mr. Henry settled Lizzie's bills, and started home with her. On the 6th of Augus following Mr. Henry wrote the chief and sent him a picture of the seducer, which had been discovered by the reporter. Major Fletcher, at the time of making the acquaintance of Miss Brown, was president of the Keosaukua, St. Louis and St. Paul Railroad company, and during his official business at Keosauqua made his home at the home of Miss Brown. Sickness during the absence of the major's wife called to his service Miss Brown, who, with tender care, watched over him, cared for his every want, and humored him in every desire until his health was restored, and in turn she was ruined, and induced to leave her home and lead a life of shame. Fletcher had, until this villainous affair became known, been considered the very soul of honor, in all things, but such a revulsion of feeling took place when Miss Brown's story was made public, that his life was frequently placed in jeopardy. When Miss Brown returned home she gave her evidence before the grand jury and upon the strength of it Fletcher was indicted, the case being set for January 2, the day of the killing. Mr. Brown was at the courthouse as a witness against Fletcher. He stepped into the clerk's office and as he approached the clerk;s desk, recognized Fletcher standing in front of him. He at once drew a revolver and shot him through the head, killing him instantly.