JAMES B. and HENRY M. FLETCHER are the largest stockmen in Auburn township. They trace their ancestry back to England, their paternal great-grandfather being a native of that country. Their grandfather, James Fletcher, was born in Botetourt County, Va., while their father, Nathan Fletcher, was born near Franklin, Simpson County, Ky., March 18, 1816. James Fletcher was a wheelwright by occupation, and was one of the early settlers of Simpson County, Ky., where he worked at his trade, and also followed farming. To improve his condition, he determined to seek a home in Illinois, and in the fall of 1828, brought his family to Sangamon County, the mode of conveyance being an ox team and wagon. They were twenty-two days en route and camped out each night. Arriving here he bought eighty acres on section 22, and put up a log cabin. Having brought his tools with him from Kentucky, he put up a shop on his farm and commenced work at his trade. He lived but two years after coming to this county, dying in 1830, at the age of sixty-two years. Politically he was a Whig, and religiously a Presbyterian, serving as Elder in that church for many years. He was married in Virginia to Jane McElvain, who was born in Botetourt County, Va. Her parents were from Ireland. She died in the year 1853, being the mother of sixteen children, of whom the following grew to manhood and womanhood: Job died in Iowa; Margaret, who married C. A. Patterson, died in Auburn township; Robert, when about fourteen years old, was killed by a horse; Mary and J. Washington died in Auburn township; Nathan, the father of our subject, was next in order of birth; Elizabeth, now Mrs. Bettis, resides in Macoupin County; John died in Auburn Township; Rebecca, who became the wife of Mathew Essex, died in Macoupin County; Nancy, who married James Patterson, died in Auburn Township.

Nathan Fletcher resided in Kentucky until about thirteen years of age, then accompanied his parents to Illinois. His educational advantages were limited to the subscription schools of that early day. He was married in Menard County, Ill., December 26, 1844, to Margaret A. Baxter, who was born in Adair County, Ky., November 27, 1827. She came to Menard County, with her parents when but a small child. Her father, Matthew Baxter, died in Menard County. After his marriage, Nathan Fletcher bought forty acres of school land at $1.50 per acre, where Henry M. now lives. Here he began at the bottom of the ladder, and by energy, hard work and economy, became a wealthy man. He followed farming and general agricultural pursuits, and became the owner of four hundred acres of improved land which he operated until he retired from active life, when he divided the estate among his children. He is an Elder in the Presbyterian Church, and politically is a stanch Republican. His wife died February 21, 1888. They were the parents of six children: Mary married A. S. Goodpasture, a farmer in Auburn Township; J. B., also engaged in farming; Thomas A., likewise a farmer; Martha, who married Levi D. Goodpasture, resides in the village of Auburn; Lucretia married James S. Patton; and Henry M.

J. B. Fletcher was born in Auburn Township, December 5, 1850, and was educated in the common schools of the township. When fifteen years of age he began buying and trading in stock, and when twenty-one years of age his father made him the possessor of eighty acres on section 22. Here he located and continued farming and stock raising, while at all times being an extensive dealer in stock, in which he has been very successful. In 1883 he bought three hundred and four acres of land on Prospect Place, for which he paid $67.50 per acre. He has added to it until he has now four hundred and twenty-four acres, together with one hundred and sixty acres on section 22, making in all five hundred and eighty-four acres of good, valuable, improved land, which has cost him from $50 to $75 per acre. His farm is about three and a half miles from Auburn, and the same distance from the village of Virden. On the farm in addition to his dwelling house are two large barns 40x54, and 48x112 feet. All the modern conveniences are found upon this farm, among which is a large windmill that forces water a distance of eight hundred and twenty-five feet to a tank in his barn, and which is regulated by patent floats. He was married in Auburn township, September 20, 1870, to Miss Elizabeth A. Patton, who was born in Auburn Township, and who is a daughter of Matthew Patton, a native of Kentucky. Her grandfather, James Patton, was also a native of Kentucky. He was a tanner and currier by trade, and came to this county in an early day and located in Auburn Township, where he died some years ago. Her father was reared in Auburn Township, and was a successful farmer. He became the owner of four hundred acres of land and died in the village of Auburn some years ago. Her mother was Margaret J. McElvain, who was born in Kentucky. She was a daughter of Samuel McElvain, who was born in Ireland. Her mother died in 1867, leaving six children, as follows: William D. is engaged in the hotel business in Osceola, Neb.; Elizabeth A.; J. S. is a farmer of Auburn Township; Charles M., also a farmer of Auburn Township; Robert H., an attorney in Springfield; Sarah M., now Mrs. J. Abel, of Christian County. Mr. Fletcher is a member of the Farmers' Mutual Benefit Association, and of the Presbyterian Church. Politically he is a Republican.

Henry M. Fletcher was born in Auburn township, April 22, 1855, was educated in the common schools, and at the age of seven years began plowing and has led an active life ever since. He began dealing in stock when a mere lad, and that business he has followed successfully since reaching manhood. He took charge of the home farm ere attaining to maturity, and finally became possessor of a portion of it and purchased the remainder of the other heirs. He now owns two hundred and forty acres of valuable farming land well improved and complete in all its appointments, having good buildings, a fine orchard, beautiful groves and everything necessary to a model farm of the nineteenth century,. The place is known as the Mystic Driving Park and comprises one hundred and sixty acres on section 16, and eighty acres on section 21, Auburn township. In 1883 the brothers, James B. and Henry M., formed a partnership and have since been doing business under the name of Fletcher Brothers. In 1886 they purchased four hundred and eighty acres of the old Poley farm which they together operated for two years, when they sold out. They are extensively engaged in buying and shipping stock, selling from three to four hundred head of cattle per year. They feed three hundred bushels of corn per day to their cattle, which is nearly all the corn raised in the neighborhood. They also feed and ship from six hundred to one thousand head of hogs, and raise from fifty to ninety head of mules annually. In their stables are seen some of the finest specimens of horseflesh to be found in Illinois. The stables are located upon the farm of the younger brother, and among the valuable horses which they own are Artist Wilkes, 2624, sired by Red Wilkes. He is valued at $6,000 and the firm has refused $5,500 for him. Molly Knox, standard bred by Climax, sired by Almont; Auburn Maid sired by Luke Broadhead, is the speediest horse in the barns. The firm trained and gave Harry Hall his record of 2:29½, and they are also owners of a valuable bay colt with a record of 2:27. The Mystic Driving Park is located two and half miles from Auburn, and no finer stock farm can be found in Central Illinois.

In Tolona, Champaign County, Ill., October 31, 1878, Henry Fletcher wedded Ella H. Cheesman, a native of Pennsylvania, and a daughter of William Cheesman, a prominent farmer of Champaign County, owning two hundred acres of land. Unto them have been born two children, Nola Maye and Flossie Fern. Mr. Fletcher is a member of the Presbyterian Church of Auburn, and a Republican in politics. The well known firm of Fletcher Brothers has not only a wide reputation for the excellent cattle and horses which they breed, but have made for themselves an enviable record as honorable business men and worthy citizens.