Fletcher, Thomas

Epithet: of Liverpool

Epithet: Captain

Epithet: of Tonbridge

Epithet: Bishop of Kildare

Thomas Fletcher was born in Alstead, N.H. in 1787. By 1806, he was apprenticed to Joseph C. Dyer as a shopkeeper. His name first appears in a Boston city directory in 1809 as a jeweler in partnership with Sidney Gardiner, a silversmith. In 1808, Fletcher and Gardiner went into business together. By 1810 the firm had several people in its employ, including the partners' younger brothers, Charles Fletcher and Baldwin Gardiner. Although their business prospered in Boston, in 1811, they moved to Philadelphia, Pa. By 1812 Fletcher and Gardiner were so well known that they were chosen to make a large number of trophies commemorating American victories in the War of 1812. Subsequently, Fletcher began traveling to England and France, while Gardiner managed the manufactory and tended shop. Fletcher took care of financial matters and selected the imported goods that constituted the mainstay of the business. As additional apprentices and journeymen were added to the shop, George Fletcher assumed charge of the manufactory, enabling Gardiner to develop business ties in Mexico. Gardiner died in Vera Cruz in 1827.

Shortly after Gardiner's death, the name of Calvin W. Bennett appears in personal and business correspondence. He probably replaced Charles Fletcher, who worked in the front shop selling goods and keeping the books. Around 1825 or 1826, Charles became an agent for the firm, promoting its jewelry and plate. Bennett eventually became a partner in the company and it operated as Fletcher & Bennett from 1835 to 1839.

Although Fletcher's silver was in demand during the 1830s, he had severe money problems. By 1842, his creditors had put his manufactory in the hands of an assignee. In May 1842, his business was auctioned at a considerable loss. Fletcher continued to live in Philadelphia until 1850, when he was forced to sell his boarding house. He moved to Delanco, N.J., where he lived until his death in 1866.