John Fletcher was born in Paxton, Massachusetts on August 14, 1853. He was a member of an old and prominent family. In addition to his education at Phillips Academy, Andover, Fletcher received a medical degree from Harvard Medical School in 1874. After leaving school, Fletcher worked as a physician for many years, eventually establishing a private practice in Boston
He also pursued a passion for painting, and was especially known for his "portrait paintings of distinguished men".
Here upon earth there is life, and then death, Dawn, and later nightfall, Fire, and the quenching of embers: But why should I not remember that my night is dawn in another part of the world, If the idea fits my fancy?John Gould Fletcher
God willing, we shall this day meet that old enemy Who has give us so many a good beating. Thank God we have a cause worth fighting for, And a cause worth losing and a good song to sing.John Gould Fletcher
