Fleming, Bartholomew Clement 1860-1924

FLEMING, BARRAGY, MCGAHERAN, HUMPHREY, MCHUGH

Posted By: Bill Waters (email)
Date: 11/25/2003 at 11:38:51

A GRAND GOOD CITIZEN CALLED TO HIS REWARD

Seldom has this community felt more keenly the loss Of a citizen than was evidenced last Wednesday morning when the sorry news was passed about that Bart C. Fleming had passed away the evening previous at the Methodist hospital in Des Moines, whither he had gone several weeks previously to seek relief from serious physical afflictions, but despite the best of surgical skill and medical attention and care, and the well wishes of a host of friends, there was no surcease from the pain that wracked his body until the Great Comforter came.

Bart Clement Fleming son of Michael and Mary Fleming was born in Grand Meadow township, Clayton county, Iowa, March 24, 1860, on the farm now owned and occupied by Wm. Baltz. He attended the rural school of that neighborhood and later added to his store of knowledge by attending higher institutions of learning at Decorah and Iowa City, after which he taught in the rural schools of his neighborhood for several years, and was rated as a very capable instructor.

Following this he devoted his attention to assisting his parents in the conduct of the farm until their death after which he remained on the farm until fifteen years ago when he purchased a home in Postville and has since been a resident here.

During his residence here he was called upon, because of his capabilities, to occupy various positions of trust, and in each he served with faithfulness and fidelity in the discharge of his duties. He was manager of the Postville Farmers Co-operative Society for one year, served as a member of the Board of Education for five or more terms, being a member of that body during the construction of our present beautiful new school building, and Mr. Fleming held his position on the board until he resigned. He was also a stockholder in the Postville State Bank and was a member of the, official board of that institution for twelve years, serving seven years on the board of directors and for the past five years and at the time of his death was President of the bank.

Mr. Fleming was also an active member of the Postville Commercial Club and it was through his generosity in donating the use of a portion of big property that Postville has a Tourist Camp.

For a number of years past Mr. Fleming has conducted Postville's only implement house. Bart Fleming's life was all spent in this locality. and was an open book with stainless pages. He won the friendship Of all by his kindly disposition, his splendid manhood and his strict integrity, for he was the very soul of honor.

As his pastor, well said in the funeral sermon "the two predominant characteristics of his life were his love of God and his fellow man." Mr. Fleming was from his youth up a devout Catholic and it is said of him that his pew was never vacant.

The above is our humble tribute to a man we knew well and loved, but no words mortal man might utter could add to the. high place he held in this community throughout a life of a little more than 64 years span. We grieve that he is with us no more, but are comforted with the thought that "it is well, it is well, with his soul."

He is survived by his brother Michael of this city and a sister, Mrs. Wm. Barragy of Mason City. The funeral was held last Saturday morning from St. Bridget's Catholic church in this city, conducted by Rev. Father Hogan; assisted by Rev. Father Hehir of Clermont.

Every business house in Postville was closed during the funeral, and the little church where the service was held was far too small to accommodate the many who wished to attend.

Interment was made in the Catholic cemetery, at Clermont. Those from out of town in attendance at the funeral were: Mrs. Wm. Barragy and daughter of Mason City; J, B. McGaheran and Terrence J: Barragy of Rockwell; Dr. and Mrs. M. F. Humphrey of Logan; Wm. Fleming and son and O. J. McHugh of Cresco.

-Postville Review 9/25/1924