If you have information on the origins of Henry Fletcher (1817? -1872), Tide Surveyor, Her Majesty’s Customs, Port of Montreal, please contact: carlton@gloverparkhistory.com
Henry Fletcher, seaman, was born in England, circa 1817, and was in Montreal by 1843. There are hints suggesting origins in Hereford, and in London.
First marriage: Hannah Clifton, born in England, circa 1802.
Second marriage: Henry Fletcher of the city of Montreal, widower, to
Margaret Ann McInnes, of the same place, spinster, 11 September 1866, Anglican.
(Drouin Collection, Quebec Vital and Church Records)
Family lore: Margaret Ann McInnes and her mother were from Kingston, Ontario;
Henry Fletcher owned a farm at Lake Memfromagog.
1864 Montreal Directory: Henry Fletcher, tide surveyor, 386 Lagauchetiere Street.
1868, Hannah Elizabeth Fletcher (Henry Fletcher’s daughter by Hannah Clifton), married
John Munro Ross, of Elora, Ontario.
1871 census: Henry Fletcher, born England, 77 German Street;
spouse Margaret, age 33, born circa 1838;
son Percy, age 2, b 1869.
“Henry Fletcher, Tide Surveyor in Her Majesty’s Customs at Montreal died on the 20th day of June 1872”.
Church service held at Saint Andrew’s Presbyterian in Montreal.
(Drouin Collection, Quebec Vital and Church Records 1621-1967)
Burial, Mount Royal Cemetery, Montreal
Unable to find an obituary.
Find A Grave memorial for Henry Fletcher: http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=108147073
Family lore says there was a commemorative plaque with Henry Fletcher’s name, and the circumstances of his death in the Customs Service, in the vestibule of the Montreal City Hall. As the building burned in 1922, this plaque would not have survived. It is also possible this plaque was in the old Customs House.
Family lore also says that Henry had two brothers, John and William.
John Fletcher, biscuit-maker and confectioner, St Charles Borromee St. nr Craig St. (1843 Montreal directory)
(John Fletcher shows up again in 1851 directory, as assistant fire engineer, as well as confectioner.)
William Fletcher is shown in Montreal directories:
1844-7 W E Fletcher, plasterer, St Mary St
1848-9 W E Fletcher accountant, Lagauchetiere St
1852 W E Fletcher, collector
1854-9 William Fletcher, slater
1861-3 W Fletcher, currier
A William Fletcher, was at Henry Fletcher’s 1866 marriage.
1871 Census of England (London, Islington Parish, Borough of Finsbury):
William Edward Fletcher, builder and decorator, born 19 October 1841 in Montreal, left Canada ca 1868.
In addition, there was another Fletcher at the Montreal Customs House:
Fletcher, Alexander, custom house clerk.
(1846 Montreal directory)
If you have information on the origins of Henry Fletcher, his brothers, or his wives, or obituaries, please contact: carlton@gloverparkhistory.com