William B. Fleming 1838-1906

FLEMING, KENT

Posted By: Volunteer - Rich Lowe
Date: 4/25/2003 at 17:15:49

William B. Fleming.

W.B. Fleming died at his home in Keosauqua, Iowa, Thursday, January 18, 1906, about midnight. He had been suffering several weeks from kidney disease and all hope of his recovery had been abandoned several days ago.

Mr. Fleming was born in Franklin county, Penn., Dec. 30 1838, being at the time of his death a little more than sixty-seven years old. He received a good education.

At the beginning of the Civil war he enlisted and served as first lieutenant in the Twelfth Independent Ohio Battery.

In the spring of 1867 he came to Van Buren county, Iowa, and for a time was principal of schools in Milton. In 1885 he was elected Clerk of the District court of this county and served in that capacity six years. He also served six years as deputy clerk and four years as deputy auditor.

In 1872 he married Miss Florence Kent, daughter of Col. David Kent Of the Nineteenth Iowa Infantry and to them were born three children, viz., **** is and actor; Craig, of Chicago; **** Miss Ethel, who is at home with her mother in Keosauqua.

Mr. Fleming was well known throughout the county as a vocalist having taught many terms at various places in this section and been leader in choirs, cantatas, glee clubs, etc.

He was for many years secretary of the three Masonic orders at Keosauqua the Blue Lodge, Moore Chapter R. A. M., and the Knight Templars. He has also been for many years secretary of the Keosauqua board of education. He is one whom Keosauqua and Van Buren county can ill afford to lose.

Funeral services were held Saturday at 2:30 P.M., the Masonic order of which he was a prominent member being in charge of he same. Mr. Fleming has recently been bookkeeper in Mannings bank at Keosauqua, but previous to that time had been officiating for several years as county official, Clerk, deputy Auditor, etc.

Source: Entler Scrapbook, vol. 3, Iowa Historical Library, Iowa City, IA

[parts of article torn. 1880 census shows children as Carl, age 4, and Craig, age 5 months]