EMMETT A. FLETCHER, mayor of the city of Beaumont, is the oldest son of William A. Fletcher, one of the oldest and most prominent citizens of that place, whose career as a soldier and citizen is described at length in another part of this work. The mother's name was Julia Long, and they were both natives of Louisiana. Mayor Fletcher was born at Beaumont, October 10, 1867, and while growing up in this town attended the public schools. His father being one of the prominent lumbermen of this section, when he was ready to begin an independent career he engaged in the lumber business with his father in the Texas Tram & Lumber Company. In 1903 this establishment was sold to the Kirby Lumber Company, and he has since attended to other extensive business interests which have fallen to his care. He is president of the Neches Iron Works, is a director of the Gulf National Bank and a director of the Neches Canal Company. In 1906 he was first elected to the office of mayor, and by re-election in 1908 is still serving. Fraternally he affiliates with Beaumont Lodge, B.P.O.E.