Prominent in the financial circles of Madison county is Robert Samuel Fletcher, since 1905 president of the Bank of Commerce at Jackson. He was born on a farm in this county on the 13th of May, 1849, a son of John Thomas and Caroline (Compton) Fletcher, the father a native of North Carolina and the mother of Virginia. John Thomas Fletcher removed from his native state to Madison county in the early '40s and he acquired fine farm land here, following agricultural pursuits until his demise. He was a man of great influence in the county and a highly respected and beloved citizen.

In the acquirement of his early education Robert Samuel Fletcher attended the schools in the vicinity of the home farm and later entered a private school at Murray, Kentucky. Subsequently he became a student at Andrew College, Trenton, Tennessee, for two years and he taught in the public schools of Tennessee and Kentucky from 1871 to 1878. In the latter year he returned to Madison county and locating in Jackson engaged in newspaper work, becoming editor of the Jackson Despatch. In 1880 he purchased a half interest in the Jackson Whig, becoming editor and business manager of that sheet and he was actively engaged in newspaper work until January, 1883. At that time he embarked in the wholesale and retail grocery business, under the firm name of Burkett & Fletcher, and he was connected with that enterprise, in which he achieved more than substantial success, until March, 1905, when he was elected president of the Bank of Commerce here, which important office he is still filling. Mr. Fletcher is a man of well proven ability and his genial and pleasing personality have won for the bank many stanch friends. He is universally liked and admired for his splendid business acumen and is conceded to be a leader in the business circles of Madison county and the state. Mr. Fletcher has been twice married. His first marriage was celebrated on the 3d of October, 1883, when Miss Matie Walker became his wife. One son was born to them, named Robert. Mrs. Fletcher passed away on the 17th of September, 1885. On the 14th of January, 1888, Mr. Fletcher was married to Miss Pattie C. Walker. To the second union five daughters and one son have been born. Since attaining his majority Mr. Fletcher has been a stanch supporter of the democratic party and the principles for which it stands. While he has often been urged by his friends and neighbors to enter the political field, he has steadfastly refused to do so.

In 1886 and 1887 he was aid-de-camp, with the rank of colonel, on the staff of Governor Robert L. Taylor and in 1911 he was one of the three members of the Vertrees committee to harmonize the democratic party in this state. He maintains an active interest in all public affairs and is a stanch advocate of education. He has served on the Jackson board of education, the board of the State Industrial School, and while it was in existence he served on the board of trustees of the Memphis Conference Female Institute. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and he has served as grand master of the Grand Lodge of the latter organization. He is also a member of the local Elks lodge. For over twenty-eight years he has been and still is secretary of the Travelers Protective Association of Jackson and for many years he has been a trustee of the Methodist church. He is one of Jackson's most public-spirited citizens, having firm belief in the future of this community, and as an active and prominent member of the Chamber of Commerce he participates in every movement for the upbuilding of the general welfare. He is a consistent booster for good roads and other movements that he deems essential to the progress of the town and county. Every man who knows Mr. Fletcher is his friend and he well merits the confidence and esteem in which he is held by his fellowmen.

Tennessee the Volunteer State 1769 - 1923 Volume 3

Burkett & Fletcher are wholesale and retail grocers of Jackson, Tenn., and the firm is composed of J. W. N. Burkett and R. S. Fleteher. They began business on the 3d of January, 1883, with a capital stock of $7,000, which they have since increased to $10,000. They do quite a large wholesale business with neighboring towns in Henderson, Carroll and Chester Counties, and command a large share of the retail trade in the town and county. Robert S. Fletcher was born in Madison County, Tenn., May 13, 1849, son of John T. and Caroline (Compton) Fletcher, natives respectively, of North Carolina and Virginia. Robert S. was educated at Clayton's Creek College, Ky., and Andrew College, of Trenton, Tenn. He taught school in Madison and Fayette Counties for about six years, and in 1878 accepted the position as editor of the Jackson Dispatch, editing the same about one year. He then leased the paper for two years and purchased a one-half interest in the West Tennessee Whig. In 1883 he engaged in the grocery business and has met with well deserved success. October 3, 1884, he married Matie Walker, of Brownsville, Tenn., who died September 17, 1885, leaving one son - Robert Savage. January 14, 1886, Mr. Fletcher wedded his present wife, Pattie C. Walker. He is a Democrat and an ardent worker for his party. He is also a Mason and a thoroughly honorable business man.

Goodspeeds History of Tennessee