Phi Gamma Delta

Naaman Fletcher

Naaman Fletcher (1824- 1864)
Of "Nancy," as the boys called the first Secretary and second President of the "Delta Association," less is known than of the other five Founders. It is of record, however, that the date of his birth was February 27,1824, and that the place was Zanesville, Ohio. His father died when Naaman was three years old and he was adopted by a distant relative at whose expense he was educated. It seems clear that he studied law and was admitted to the bar before enrolling at Jefferson College but, realizing the insufficiency of his basic education, he entered the sophomore class at Jefferson when 23 years of age, graduating with the class of  '49.

From all indications, Fletcher was a very colorful, red-blooded youth. While at Canonsburg he apparently led a full life socially. Aside from much mention of the "Delta Association," his fluent letters speak mostly of brown-eyed maids and occasionally of other diversions, such as fishing, hunting, ice-skating, hiking and an infrequent evening spent at the tavern "with the boys."

As the only one of "The Immortal Six" who did not graduate in '48, Fletcher headed the chapter in its second year and his leadership had real significance in the perpetuation of our order.