Mary Martha Fletcher -- (1830-1885)

Mary Fletcher, born in Jericho, Vermont, moved here with her family at age 20. Following her fathers death, the family established Fletcher Free Library (1873). Mary Fletcher continued her parents benefactions. She founded Mary Fletcher Hospital (1879), the first general hospital in Vermont, and Training School for Nurses (1882). Mary Fletcher Hospital later became Fletcher Allen Health Care, Vermonts academic health center. Mary herself suffered ill health and lived simply and privately. She died of tuberculosis in the hospital she founded. The Burlington Friends Meeting (Quakers) began to hold worship here in 1959.