The first settlement of the Fitchetts of which there is record was in New Jersey where Isaac Fitchett was born in 1725. In 1750 he removed to the colony of New York, settling at Poughkeepsie. He married Frances LeRoy, of that city, October 5, 1753. In 1774 he removed to the Wyoming valley of Pennsylvania, settling at Nanticoke, now in Luzerne county. He remained there until his death.
(II) Isaac (2), son of Isaac (1) and Frances (LeRoy) Fitchett, was born in New York, and removed with his parents to Pennsylvania, later settling in Dutchess county New York, where there are many descendants. He married Polly Hart. Children: Isaac (3), Peter, of further mention; Catharine, Frances, Caroline, Maria.
(III) Peter, son of Isaac (2) and Polly (Hart) Fitchett, was born in the town of Coxsackie, Greene county, New York, April 4, 1809. He was educated in the town schools, and early began boating on the Hudson river, later engaging in mercantile life as a dry goods merchant and groceryman. After several years spent in business of this nature he purchased a farm near the village on which he resided until his death. He was prosperous in all his business affairs and was well regarded in his locality. He married, February, 1834, Susan Nelson, born 1810, died March 8, 1904, daughter of Gilbert Nelson of Gay Head, Greene county, formerly of Dutchess county, New York. Children:
- James H., born March 1, 1835; resides in Coxsackie, New York.
- Gilbert Isaac, of later mention.
- Frank L., born October 1, 1838, now a resident of Omaha, Nebraska; married (first) Mary J. Cook; (second) Isabella McGeorge.
- Sarah E.. born March 25, 1841, died June 17, 1884; married Palmer Searles and had two daughters:
- Addie, born December 22, 1868, married Floyd Kniffen, October 3, 1888;
- Grace, born March 2, 1871; married, April 6, 1892, Clarence Woolford, who died 1896, leaving a son, Leroy Woolford.
- Charles, born September 1, 1843, died January 9, 1889; married, November 12, 1867, Frances Bouton; had one child,
- Jennie C., born February 19, 1869, married Schuyler C. Bishop, November, 1892.
- Caroline, born May 3, 1845, in the town of Coxsackie, where she was educated in the public schools and resided on the home farm until the death of her father, when she removed to the village of Coxsackie, where she now resides having with her as companion her deceased sister's daughter Grace, and nephew, Leroy Woolford. She is a member of the Dutch Reformed church, having joined many years ago.
- Myra S., born April 15, 1848; married (first) Nelson Van Bergen; (second) Lewis Flansburg; resides in Coxsackie.
(IV) Gilbert Isaac, son of Peter and Susan (Nelson) Fitchett, was born in the town of Coxsackie, Greene county, New York, March 10, 1837. He was educated in the public schools. He engaged in farming for a few years after reaching manhood but soon abandoned the farm for a business career. In 1861 he established a coal trade in Coxsackie and pursued that line of business with energy and success until 1907 when he retired. He occupies a beautiful residence overlooking the Hudson and here passes a quiet life amid congenial surroundings. He never sought or held public office, but is a supporter of the Democratic party. He married (first) 1857, Elzada Buckbee, died 1885, daughter of Richard Buckbee. He married (second) Alice, daughter of Henry Fitchett, of Watervliet, New York. Child of first marriage:
- Julia Clearwater, married Dr. Ambrose Beach, of Coxsackie.