Francis Marion Fleming

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Obituary of F. M. Fleming
Francis Marion Fleming was born in New York City December 31, 1844, and died at his home in Riverton, Iowa, March 12, 1909, aged 64 years 2 months and 11 days. His mother died when he was four years of age and after her death his father moved to Harrison, Illinois. In the year 1862 Mr. Fleming moved to Howard county, Iowa. Here he stayed about five years when he moved to Atchison, Kansas, where he lived two years. From Atchison he moved to Riverton where, with the exception of one year living in Maryville, Mo., he continued to reside until he passed into the great unseen life.
On the 22nd of December, 1868, he was married to Miss Lavina Gardner at Linden, Mo. Eleven children were born to them, two of whom died when they were quite young; a daughter died about six years ago, and their son, Jesse, left them a year ago the 15th of last January. Six sons and one daughter remain to unite with their mother in bewailing the loss of a kind and affectionate father and husband. All of the children were present at the final obsequies of their father except one son living in Muncie, Ind., who was unable to be present.
Mr. Fleming was baptized in the Methodist Episcopal church when he was a child, but farther than that there is no record of his holding any relation with any church. At least, for reason best known to himself, he did not affiliate with any of the churches in Riverton.
On the 15th day of last December he left his home in his usual health to go to his work at Rankin & Cowden's elevator, where, about 20 minutes to 9 o'clock in the forenoon, he was stricken with paralysis. He was taken to his home, medical aid was immediately summoned and he was made as comfortable as his circumstances would allow. Although he never fully regained the use of either his physical or mental powers, yet, his splendid constitution enabled him to rally so that he was able to recognize his friends, partially understand what was said to him, and make efforts to talk himself. Thus he continued, nursed with the closest care and affection by his beloved wife until the end came at 10 minutes to 4 o'clock in the morning of March 12.
Mr. Fleming was a man who stood well in the estimation of his fellowmen. He was the soul of honor and honesty. He practically had full charge of the elevator interests of Rankin & Cowden, and the fact that such important interests were entrusted to him year after year speaks volumes for his integrity and trust-worthiness. He had the rare virtue of being a home-lover. Possibly no man living in Riverton was seen less upon its streets and in the lounging places than Francis Fleming. During working hours he attended strictly to business, and his evenings were spent at home with his family.
One sister living in Monroe, Wisconsin, and sister living in Chicago are the only immediate relatives of his own family who now survive him.
The funeral services were held in the home conducted by Rev. Fred Harris. The choir was composed of Miss Rilla Shoemaker, Mrs. Nella Wiliams, Alvin Byrd and Roy Shoemaker. He was buried in the Riverton cemetery by the side of his four children who had already gone on before.

Francis married Lavina Jane Gardner. (Lavina Jane Gardner was born on 15 Dec 1850 in Marion County, Ohio, died on 17 Nov 1931 and was buried in Riverton Cemetery, Riverton, Fremont County, Iowa.)