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Thomas Fletcher (April 8, 1817 – February 26, 1880) was an American politician who served as acting governor of Arkansas from November 4 to 15, 1862, following the resignation of Henry M. Rector.
Early life
Thomas Fletcher was born at Nashville, Tennessee, about the year 1817. Entering upon the study of law, he became of prominence in that profession and in the activities of political life, and during the administration of President Polk was appointed to the office of United States marshal, with his headquarters at Natchez, Mississippi. In 1850 he made his home in Arkansas, and soon occupied a leading position. He was President of the Arkansas Senate during the 12th, 13th, and 14th sessions, from 1858 to 1864, and President of the Arkansas Senate (Confederate government in exile) held at Washington, Arkansas, in October 1864.
Acting governor of Arkansas (1862)
Fletcher's service as acting governor of Arkansas continued from the resignation of Henry M. Rector until the inauguration of Harris Flanagin, who was chosen at a special election held October 6, 1862. Fletcher's tenure of the office as acting governor was by virtue of his position as President of the Arkansas Senate.
Later life
After the close of the American Civil War, Fletcher was a member of the Arkansas Senate of 1874–1877. In 1878 he began the practice of the law at Little Rock, Arkansas, but his career was soon afterward terminated by his death at age 62, on February 26, 1880, at Little Rock, due to complications from pneumonia.