Deputized Civilian William E. Fletcher

William E. Fletcher

Burl Burleson was charged with wife beating and assault with a pistol. Brazos county Deputy Sheriff Smith went to arrest him, and summoned W.E. Fletcher, a merchant and railroad agent at Wellborn in Brazos County, and another party, to aid him in making the arrest. Burleson was in his house and refused to be arrested. Fletcher then undertook to open the door and got it partially open and was partly inside when Burleson shot Fletcher in the heart. Fletcher fired two times hitting Burleson in the stomach. He walked about 100 yards and gradually let himself down to the ground where he died. Burleson fled and was captured later. Burleson died in the county jail from his wound on January 17, 1883.

Fletcher was buried in the Bryan City Cemetery. He was married and had no children in 1880.