FRECHETTE, DAVID. The subject of this sketch is an excellent type
of the enterprising, patriotic, French-Americans who have cast their lot
in St. Johnsbury. Born in 1847, in the parish of Maskinonge, P. Q., he
was reared upon a farm, and received a common school education. His mother
died when he was ten years old. At the age of sixteen he went to Keesville,
N. Y., to make his home with an uncle. The next year he enlisted as a soldier
of the Union in the Fifty-sixth Massachusetts regiment, Ninth corps, received
his baptism of fire at Pigram Farm, shared the fortunes of his regiment
at Weldon railroad and at Grant's grand advance on Richmond and Petersburg,
and was honorably discharged with his regiment at the close of the war.
After visiting his relatives, he spent some two years in Massachusetts
and Rhode Island, and later resided seven years in Fair Haven, Vt. He came
to St. Johnsbury in 1875, and has resided here ever since. He was employed
by Rev. J. A. BOSSONNAULT several years as a teacher and in other capacities.
He engaged in trade with his oldest son, D. S. FRECHETTE, in January, 1893,
in the line of groceries, meats, and provisions, at 95 Railroad street,
where he still continues.
During the past few years he has conducted the business alone, discontinuing
the sale of meat. Mr. FRECHETTE is noted for his sterling integrity, and
his unfailing courtesy to all, and has a good business standing. He has
officiated as notary public for more than a dozen years and five years
as justice of peace.
Mr. FRECHETTE affiliates with St. Jean Baptiste society and Chamberlain
post, No.1, G. A. R. In 1867 he married Rosalie Gregoire, at Phoenix, R.
I., and eleven children have been born to them, only four of whom are living:
David S., a provision merchant at Newmarket, N. H., Joseph P., who assists
his father in the business, Mary A., and Arthur.
Source: Successful Vermonters,
William H. Jeffrey, E. Burke, Vermont, The Historical Publishing Company,
1904, page 44.
Prepared
by Tom Dunn January 2003
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