Lewis V. Fleming

As printed in 1881

LEWIS V. FLEMING, well known in St. Joseph, is a native of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, and was born April 13, 18 17. His father, Benjamin, and his grandfather,

Benjamin, were natives of that state. His mother was Raphel Bowman, and her father, Henry Bowman, was an officer in the revolutionary war. Lewis was raised in Morrisville, Pennsylvania. His father was a ship carpenter and died when our subject was quite young. After receiving the benefit of a limited common school education he went to Philadelphia and learned the coach finishing trade, and in 1838, went to Cincinnati and worked as journeyman, after which he took up his above in Madison, Indiana, and there fitted up the first coach that ran on the Madison and Indianapolis Railroad. He was engaged for a time in conducting a shop at Georgetown, Kentucky, after which he located in Worthsville, Kentucky, where for nine years he was engaged in merchandising. In 1855, he came to Missouri, locating in DeKalb County, and was engaged in stock raising, until 1866, when he became a resident of this city. He first commenced steamboating, purchasing the ferry, and acted in that role until after the completion of the bridge. There were but few residents in Buchanan County, and in Doniphan County, Kansas, but what became acquainted with Captain Fleming. He was married at Madison, Indiana, in 1840, to Miss Amelia, daughter of James H. Wallace, an official on the Madison and Indiana Railroad. By this union they have had eight children, Ben W., Louis F., James W., Henry B., George, Edward and Charles S.; lost one, Robert. Mr. Fleming is a member of the I. O. O. F., and was a charter member of Washington Lodge, No. II, of Madison, Indiana. During the nine years stay at Worthsville, Kentucky, in connection with his business, he held the position of Postmaster. He was one of the prime movers and directors of the St. Joseph and Denver Railroad. His sons, Ben W., and George B., the matters; are among the sterling business men of St. Joseph.

As printed in The history of Buchanan County, Missouri (1881). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.