FLEMING, William B.: 1838-1906

FLEMING, KENT

Posted By: Volunteer: Sherri
Date: 5/4/2013 at 04:40:41

William B. Fleming was born at Strausberg, Pa., Dec. 30, 1838. At midnight of Thursday, January 18, 1906, at his home in Keosauqua, Iowa, he passed into the undying life, having reached the age of 67 years and 19 days. When 12 years old our friend's parents moved to Ohio, where the remainder of his boyhood and youth was passed. With the breaking out of the civil war in 1861, he enlisted in the 12th Ohio Independent Battery. His military service covered 4 years and 7 days, and he attained the rank of 2nd lieutenant.

The war over Mr. Fleming left Ohio for Michigan, later coming to Milton, Iowa, where he taught school. He was married Feb. 11, 1872, to Miss Florence Kent. To Mr. and Mrs.Fleming five children were born of whom two, a boy and a girl died in infancy.

Mrs. Fleming susvives(sp) her husband, with the daughter Ethel and two sons, Carl and Craig. both of these sons have been home and at their father's bedside during part of his sickness, but both were forced to go away again, to resume their business positions. At this time Carl is in Ohio and Craig in Pennsylvania. The family moved from Milton to Keosauqua in 1879, where the home has ever since been. Mr. Fleming served the county for a long time in a clerical capacity, being six years deputy clerk of the court, six years clerk, and eight years deputy auditor's office. Upon leaving the auditor's office Mr. Fleming entered the Manning bank as book-keeper, where his work continued to be until he was stricken with his fatal illness.

Soon after coming to Keosauqua Mr. Fleming united with the Congregational church. He was leader of its choir for 14 years. The Knights Templar's emblem which he wore, and which he valued very highly, was a present from the church one Christmas day, as a token of appreciation of his services to the choir.

While living in Milton Mr. Fleming was made a Free Mason. He was received into Moore Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, and into El Chanan Commandery, Knights Templar, in Keosauqua. For many years he kept the records of these three lodges. At the recent elections in Chapter and Commandery, feeling, I presume, some premonitions of the sickness that was soom to come, he refused to allow himself to be re-elected. But at the time of his death he was still the secretary of the Blue lodge. Mr. Fleming was also a member of the order of Knights of Pythias. For all 25 years, our friend was secretary of the school board in Keosauqua, which position he filled faithfully and with much ability. He belonged to the G.A.R.; was one its honored members. He had no near relatives in this part of the country, but a brother lives in Grand Lodge, Mich., and another in Pittsburg, Pa. - From Rev. C.E. Perkin's address at the funeral.

(Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Obituary Book C, Page 48, Keosauqua Public Libraray, Keosauqua, IA