California Biographies Transcribed by Peggy Hooper This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm Source: History of the state of California and biographical record of the San Joaquin Valley, California. An historical story of the state's marvelous growth from its earliest settlement to the present time. Prof. James Miller Guinn , A. M. The Chapman Publishing Co., Chicago 1905 Notes: Missing Page: 865-866,983-984,1175-1176 ANDREW FLETCHER. The name of Andrew Fletcher is associated with the pioneer his- tory of the state of California, he being one of the emigrants of 1850 who laid aside the pick and shovel to assist in the agricultural development of the country. A native of Edinburgh, Scotland, born September 24, 1813, he was brought to the United States by his parents when only five years old. He became a resident of Greene county, Ohio, where he remained until attaining his majority, when he located in Knox county, Ill. Following the westward trend of emigration he crossed the plains in 1850 by means of ox teams, and upon his safe arrival in Placer- ville, Cal., engaged in mining on the Feather river. He met with varying fortune for four years, when, in 1854, in company with Joseph Spier, he started the new ditch, bringing the water from the middle south fork of the Stanislaus river for mining purposes. The enterprise necessitated the expenditure of $1,000,000. but brought about results of incalculable benefit. In 1859 Mr. Fletcher went to Santa Cruz, where he remained until 1873, when he came to Tulare county. Here, in 1878, he was united in marriage with Mrs. Rachel D. Elkins, and made his home upon the farm where she lived until his death, which occurred July 29. 1892. He was mourned by many friends and the community suffered a loss in his demise such as can only be felt when a public-spirited, honorable and upright citizen, a leader in all matters of reform, a social and kindly nature, passes on to the reward which awaits right living. In his political convictions he was a conscientious Republican and gave his best efforts to advance the principles he endorsed. Mrs. Fletcher was in maidenhood Rachel D. Neal. born in Lincoln county. N. C. May 26, 1834. Her father, Moses Neal, was born in the same state, February 10, 1806, and was a fanner by occupation. He emigrated to Missouri in 1839, locating in Stoddard county, and a year later went to Cape Girardeau county, where he farmed. In 1874 he came to California with his daughter, and died here at an advanced age. His wife, formerly Susan Smith, was born in Pennsylvania, and died in Missouri. They were the parents of three sons and two daughters. Rachel D. received her education in the common schools of Missouri, where she was reared to young womanhood. There she was united in marriage with Louis Elkins, a native of Tennes- see, who died in Missouri. They were the parents of two children, Jane, now Mrs. Eaton, and Lee Lindsey, the efficient night watchman of Portersville. In 1874 Mrs. Elkins came to Cali- fornia with her father, daughter and grandson and located near Mountain View. Tulare county. After her marriage to Mr. Fletcher she resided on the latter's farm of one hundred and twenty acres, but since his death she has rented the land.