ROSES FOR THE LIVING

                                                             Arthur Fleming

     The subject of our “Roses for the Living” this week was born Feb. 17, 1869, on a farm

near Dowagiac, where his youth was spent.  He later lived three years on a farm near Union

City.

     He was married in 1889 to Miss Clara Griswold of Dowagiac.  To this union were born

three daughters and two sons.

     After teaching in the Dowagiac schools, Mr. Fleming came to Weidman in 1898, and in

1899 bought the farm in Sherman township where he now lives.

     Mrs. Fleming died in 1917.  In 1919 Mr. Fleming married Miss Edna Straub of Dowagiac.

     In 1916 Mr. Fleming instituted modern improvements on his 240 acre farm, installing a

milking machine and a silo.  He also started keeping purebred Holsteins.  The farm is now

managed by his son, Wallace.

     Mr. Fleming was for many years an active member of the Weidman Methodist Church,

and was superintendent of the Sunday School.

     So our wreath this week goes to a most substantial citizen of Sherman township, known

throughout the state as a breeder of Holsteins.

                                       A LETTER FROM MR. FLEMING

                                                      Lake, Jan. 12, 1940

                                              To the Weidman Banking Co.

     My Dear Folks-The roses arrived today and I was very much surprised.

     I did not expect nor did I covet the bouquet, preferring to live in the shadows rather than

in the limelight.

     However, I feel that your efforts to promote good will in the community are commend-

able and I accept the courtesy in the same spirit in which you gave it.  Be assured that I

appreciate very much the kindness that has always been accorded me at the bank.

     Thanks a lot for the buggy ride.

                                                                            Yours with kindest regards,

                                                                                       A. Fleming

© 2002 - 2009 by Donna Hoff-Grambau
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