The following is transcribed from a document that was hand written on legal size paper, titled only My Great Grandfather Fleming. My mother, Frances Easton Graves gave me a photocopy early in the 1980's. She said that Boniare Easton had either the original or a copy of it. I believe that she, Boniare Easton Haas is the person who wrote the Title across the top of the page.
Frances and Boniare were the children of Antonia Fleming Miller Easton. She was the child of Edward Carr Fleming, who, I believe is the child of William Fleming. While I have no proof of this yet, in the document, W. Fleming had a child when they moved into the wilderness, around 1838 and Edward was born in late 1837. William's wife was named Maria and there is a Maria Carr born 1815 making her eight years younger than William. And William and Maria were still living when the document was written, in 1878. William died one year later, and I am not sure of his wife death.
I have gone through the document two times, to assure that any misspelled words are of those of the author, and not my errors. The grammar is exactly as given, with no periods to indicate the end of sentences. There are a few blanks where I could not make out the word or when I had to guess, italics. I still may have overlooked an error or two of my own; I feel that document is as intended as the writer meant. I have enjoyed transcribing the document, and hope you enjoy reading it.
Susan Sprague
Jan. 2002
My Great Grandfather Fleming
By The Son of William Flemming
Transcribed by Susan Sprague
The rise and progress of Methodist preceeding and following the Organization of which was known for many years as the Fleming Class the name of which was subsequently changed to North Salem.
The early record of this little band of Methodist have been lost. And the little sketch which we are about to pen shall be gleaned from memory.
We will begin with the early influence which was brought to bear upon the minds of those who became first members of this little class.
Robert Fleming was a native of Pitt Township now Pittsburg Aleghaney Co. Pa. and Margaret his wife a native of Woodcock Valley Bedford Co. Pa. Who soon after their marriage became united to the Presbyterian Church.
Robert and Margaret lived happily together in the vacinity of Pittsburg until about the year 1812 when Robert died leaving a widow and five small children.
The names of which were as follow Barholormew Mary Ann William Elizabeth and Francis.
About a year after the death of Robert Fleming, Margaret's mind became impressed with the necessity of regeneration, this being the greate theme of the Methodist Minsters who preached in privet homes not having any churches in those days.
While listening to the glad tiding of salvation which were proclaimed by Charile Avery her conviction became deeper and deeper until she cried. O what shall I do to be saved She soon yielded obedience by giving her heart to God and found peace in believeing.
And he influence she exerted upon her children from this time until the day she died will never be known until that day (for which all other days were made) shall declare it.
And while she injoyed the company of her children. She was often found upon her knees pouring out her soul to God with and for them pleading with Him who has promised to be a Father to the fatherless and a husband to the widow.
And her heart desire and prayer to God was that He would lead them by his spirit to the Lamb of God who taketh away the sin of the world.
These prayers were fully answered during her lifetime for her children were all happily converted to God and became members of the M. P. Church.
Margaret Fleming united with the M. E. Church soon after her conversion.
The little class of which she was a member was in the vacinity of squirrel hill near Pittsburgh, Pa And Prait was their class leader.
There was another class of Methodist in Pittsburgh (at this time) consisting of 17 members.
The widow remained faithful to the Church of her choice until the division in it took place which was about the year 1830. When she cast her lot with the Reformed or M. P. Church where she remained until death.
About the year 1938 her children had all grown up and married Their money being quite limited and the price of land high in Aleghaney Co. They concluded to go to the wilderness where land was cheap and they have an opportunity of purchasing homes for themselves.
And soon after this conclusion, William Fleming started on his journey to the wilderness. And in a few day he arrived at Mr. John Leirns about 3 miles North East of Dimonvill, Indiana Co, Pa. East of this for a distance of many miles there was at the this time allmost an unbroken wilderness.
In this wild country he bought a large tract of land which was subsequently devided into smaller tracts. One of these Bartholomew Fleming bought. And the widow, their mother also bought a part of this land at first cost.
As soon as William made his purchase he returned home with the intention of settleing in his new wilderness home.
And in February, 1839, William put his family which consisted of his wife and one child on a wagon with all the household furniture he could haul. (And with the understanding that he was to build a house large enough to let his widowed mother have a room until the close of her life.) And started on his journey to the wilderness after traveling several days he arrived at Mr. John Learns.
Here he and his family shantied for several days. And from thence they moved in to a house about two miles east of Dimonville.
At this time there was a small class of Methodists in the vacinity of Dimonville consisting of Nedlers Radkeys and others. Here they had preaching almost every alternate sabbath.
And William and his family often went to preaching during the stay in this house which was about a year.
By this time which was in the year, 1840 he had erected a house on the tract of land which he had bought and had prepared a room for his mother the rest of her days.
In the spring of 40 the moved into their new house. And in 41 Bartholomew Francis and their mother arrived. And Francis moved into the house William left and Bartholomew moved in with William and their mother occupied the room which was prepared for her in the new house.
Bartholomew remained with William while he built a house on the tract of land he had bought. And then he moved into it.
They all went to preaching in the Dimond as often as they could. Although Bartholomew William and their mother had to go about 4 miles. They were always glad to here the gospel proclaimed. It was like manna in the wilderness.
In August of 1842 the Methodist held a campmeeting in Meadler's grove near Dimonville. And William Fleming took his mother and wife and went to campmeeting one evening. They were there but a little while when one of the ministers rose and said something about being disterned or overpowered by Ruffians and for this reason there would be no preaching that night.
William rose and went up into the stand and said to the minister this kind of work will never do. We want you to preach and we will do the fighting all the fighting that has to be done. By that time, William Neadler came up into the stand and said to the minister we will assist Fleming and we want you to preach and they went down from the stand. And the minister preached two sermons that night, Rev Samiel Haseld preached the first of sermon from the these words (Good news from a far country) which appeared to make quite an impressioin on the audience We do not remember the name of the minister who preached the second sermon which was followed by prayer meeting which did not close until midnight or after. When Willaim and his family returned home.
In the fall of this year he invited the Rev. Charles C. Chatman (who was preaching in the Dimond at this time) to come up to his house and preach for them this be agreed to do and sent on an appointment for a night sermon This he fulfilled. And shortly after this an agreement was made between the Dimond Class and the Flemings to the effect the Dimond Class agreed to let this minister Charles C. Chatman preach (half the time alloted to them) for the Fleming on condition that they help to pay the minister, this they agreed to. And made an appointment at the house of William Fleming and from this time preaching was continued here for several years.
Rev Charles C. Chatman preached through the winter of 1842 & 43 and in the spring, we think some time in April he organized a class of eight members namely Margaret Fleming, Bartholomew Fleming, Frances Fleming, John Stephens, William McComes Marria Fleming and Catherin Fleming John Stephens were elected class leader and William Fleming steward.
The amount paid to the minister this year by the members of this little class was $25.00. Besides this sum a few outsiders paid a little William Cook though a Baptist was always willing to do what he could for the support of the Methodist ministers. These small sums with the collection money was all the minister received for preaching 9 months in this vacinity.
This conference year closed the 13th year of the M.P. Church And with it closed the labors of the Rev. C. C. Chatman on Susquehanna Circuit.
And Henry Palmer succeed him and preached on this circuit for two years commencing in '48 And in 44 he held a campmeeting on the Fleming land which was well attended by ministers and hearers and we believe with good effect. And in the year 45 he held another campmeetings on the same campground The fruits of which will never be fully known till the day of eternity shall revel them.
John Stephens the first class leader of the Fleming Class In telling his experience at this campmeeting drew a bandanna handkerchief from his pocket and holding up said This handkerchief my sister gave me while on her deathbed requesting me to meet her in heaven which I promised to do and by the grace of God I am determined to meet her there. He lived the life of rightous but a few years and died a triumphant death
About the time of this campmeeting or soon after Mary Jane Fleming, wife of Bartholomew was converted to God and joined the Methodist Church She lived a faithful Christian a few years and died with consumption She became so verry weak that she could not speak above a whisper for several days before her death But when she was dieing she said with a cheer voice (audible to all around her bed) I am happy happy happy
At the close of this conference year, Henry Palmer left the circuit.
And Joshua L Turner was his successor who preached on this circuit for one year. We remember the first hymns we heard him sing it was this
From all who dwell below the skies
Let the Creator's praise arise
Let the Redeamer's name be sung
Thro ev'ry land by ev'ry tongue
He commeced his labors in this circuit in the year 45 This man was an eminent Christian and faithful minister of the Gospel He was given up by the physicians who believed the was in the last stage of consumption His affliction disqualified him for the physical labour he might have otherwise performed but he bore his afflction with Christian fortitude We have seen him ascending the high steps in front of William Fleming house when we was so far gone when he got to the door that he could not speak until he rested And yet ye exerted all his earthly powers to fulfill his appointments And many of his hearers thought that each sermon would be his last We have heard him preach verry effecting sermons while the tears rouled down over his cheeks and fell like rain and he became so verry happy that the smiles of heaven mingled with his tears of joy He would ask the audience to bear with him While every heart around him was filled with emotion He appeared to use all his physical intellectual and moral powers for the salvation of souls and the glory of God.
And at the close of the conference year he left this circuit And while on his way to conference he heard a voice saying You shall live and preach the gospel for many years This like the rest of the promises of God was fulfiled for he lived about thirty years from that time And died about two years ago in the vacinity of Desmoines City, Iowa.
Our hearts desire was to see this man once more but he has gone to his reward The thought often rises in our mind shall we never behold the face of this greate and good man any more until this soul shall be striped of mortality
Marlin Steward was the next minister who preached on this circuit He laboured here for two years commencing in 46 This man was an able minister of the gospel We remember his first arival at William Flemings he came on Saturday evening and remained all night And while he and the family were at breakfast The writer a little boy about nine years old sat on a little stool near the fire. We felt verry unwell and took a fit and fell into the fire And though drawn from the flames immediately we were badly burned and though not sensable of this And while walking to the door our sensations returned and were verry sick though we felt no pain and did not know at this time that we were burned nor did we ever suffer any on this account.
And while this faithful minister laboured on this circuit God blessed the Church with several revivals of religion And he was instrumental by the grace of God in drawing many from the danger of the flames of perdition to serve the Lord their God
Sometime near the close of this mans last years John Lockard and Elizabeth his wife were united to the Church in the F. class and continued faithful until death Father Lockard remained but a few years in the Church militant till he was called to the Church Triumphant Mother Lockard lived many years longer And with the increase of years her desire to get home increased until it plased God to call her away
This conference year 48 closed the labours of Martin Steward on this circuit
And David Pershan succeeded him and laboured two years commencing in 48 We remember the first hymn we heard him sing it was this
God moves in a misterious way
His wonders to perform
This warm hearted Christian minister (whose love to God was made manifest by his zeal for his cause) was a successful labourer and many were led by his instrumentality and the influence of the Holy Spirit to the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world And several young ladies became members of the F. Class But they did not continue faithful and for this reason we will not mention their names.
And while David Pershan was holding a protraced meeting at W. Flemings a young man named William Thomson who under conviction and almost in despair while ploughing in the field took the line of the Horse with the intention of hanging himself But he did not succeed and was found dead on the P. R. R several years after this occurance His body was badly mangled
This Christian minister proclaimed the glad tiding of salvation with greate earnestness and devotion and often visited his people and conversed and prayed with and for them This occupied nearly his whole time And by this kind treatment he brought out large congregations which gave good attention to the preaching of the gospel and was interested in the man who took such an interest in the salvation of soul We should like to see and hear this dear friend once more but we shall never see him any more until we behold him in glory and hear him sing the New Song
With this conference year ending in 50 closed the labors of David Pershan on Susquehanna circuit for this time.
And John I. Stillious suceeded him and laboured one year beginning in 50 This minister was faithful in fulfilling his appointments And had the greatest slieght of baptiseing by emersion of any man we ever saw He could preach what some people called a pretty good sermon But his love of money affected his influence over his audience so much that he did but little good
During this year Margaret Fleming our dear grandmother the oldest member of the F. Class was called to her reward She had outlived her three score and ten being about seventythree years of age.
While on her death bed she called all her children and grand children to her bed side and requested them to meet her in heaven This we believe they promised by the grace of God to do Near her cept while verry weak she called Mary Ann this was the name of her daughter who had died the death of the righteous about the year 42 This aged Christian often called on William her son to sing the following hymn
Our bondage here shall end
By and by by and by
Our grief shall vanish then
With out three score years and ten
And bright glory crown they day
By and by by and by
Near the close of her life while William was at her bedside she said ( O the beauties the beauties of that place) And the morning before she died she asked Wim. To take her up this he did and while up she looked all around then told him to lay her down and lay her straight These were her last words She appeared to sleep all day and a little while after night she passes away without a struggle or a groan This passes away a kind Mother and a devoted Christian whose example is worthy of imitation by all her offspring
The labours of J. I. Stillious closed with this conference year 51
And Henry Lucas took his place _________ an eminent Christian minister whose whole heart was in his work He laboured one year on Susquehanna circuit conmmencing in 51 He was quite a large man whose heart was comparitivly large for his love to God was always manifested in his zeal for the salvation of souls.
He always succeeded in bringing out large congregations And as the country became more thickly settled the audience crouded the dwelling house of Wim. Fleming to an overflow The basement of this house was devided across the middle by a partition with a door in the center And when both rooms were full the minister stood near the door and preached to the audience in each room This was rather an awkward position in which to speak and the minister often complained of it.
Henry Lucas appointed a protracted meeting here in the winter of 51 & 2 The partition still being in the way Wil. Fleming concluded to take down about one half of it And he and his nephew went to work and tore it out And while working at this the young man who assisted said that he would not get good here for he had helped to take the partition down
This young man procrastinated his return to God from meeting to meeting until after this class had build a new Church which was to be dedicated in Jan 55 at this meeting he resolved to seek the salvation of his soul But in Nov 54 he was killed by the fall of a tree without a minutes warning
We might now return to the protracted meeting The partition being out of the way The minister stood with his back to the wall where the partition had stood In this position he could face the audience in both rooms that is on each side of the remaining part of the partition
After continueing this meeting for several days with good affect H Lucas was obliged to leave on Sunday morning in order to fulfill his other appointments And for this reason he invited Samiel Huplet to fulfil his appointments here on Sunday This he cheerfully did And on Sunday night he preached from the following text
And he said to me these are they who came out of great tribulation and have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
This veteran of the cross preached with the spirits power And in his exortation his countenance appeared to be lit up with a holy light While he yearned for the salvation of souls and they glory of God
This sermon made a good impression on the audience and several souls were happily converted to God And there were about eight aded to the Church during this meeting
These members have all left this class And but one remains in the neighbourhood And one whose name was Nancy Lockard has long since gone to her reward They were all faithful as for as we know anything of them
And the aged father who preached at this meeting has long since been called home to reap the reward of a faithful minister of the gospel of Christ.
The conference year closeing in 52 brought the labors of Henry Lucus to a close on this circuit
And William McCoulough succeeded him and preached on this circuit for one year. This man was a devoted Christian minister Though like Noah he was not verry successful But he kept what was commited to his care and fought bravely for the Church of Christ
In the spring of 53 he held a public debate with Joseph Glenn at South Salem Church Subject Is feet washing as it is taught by the Savior an ordinance of the Church of Christ Joseph Glenn affirmed and William McCoulough denied In this debate McCoulought whiped Glenn
In this the 23d year of the M.P. Church and with it ended the labours of William McCoulough on this circuit
And W. Burges took his place and was assisted by Foy Burges laboured on this circuit for one year commencing in 53 He was a faithful minister in the fulfilment of all his appointments He also done what he could to incourage the building of the North Salem Church which was commenced in the spring of 54 and finished in the fall.
He left this circuit at the close of the conference year And Susquehanna circuit was left without a minister for the next year
But some of the members of the F. Class corresponded with David Pershan And he agreed to dedicate the new Church and sent on an appointment for the 15th of year 55 This appointment he fulfiled And protracted the meeting for several days And proved by his zeal and labour that he was a friend of Jesus and deeply interested in the salvation of souls.
This was a soul cheering meeting for both minister and members Though we know of no conversions neither shall we know all the good that was done until the day of eternity.
The new church was named North Salem And from this time the F. Class was known by the name North Salem.
William Mccombs who was a member of this little class for about five years from it organization left and joined the presbyterian church of which he was a member until death.
Bartholomew Fleming lived a Methodist and died a Christian in the fall of 65
Francis Fleming and Catharin his wife were members of this class for several years after its organization And then left and joined the Luthern Church of which Francis was a member until in August 1875 when he died leaving the evidence that all was well
Catherine is still living and whether she remains a member of the Luthren Church or not we do not know.
And on this the 10th day of June, 1878 there is not a member of the first organization of this little class that is a member of the M.P. Church to day Nor is there one of the name that has a membership in the Church except the writer
Five of the original members have gone the way of all the earth and are reaping their reward and three are living and on the way.
The Father Mother and Aunt of the writer who are striving by the grace God to get home to that beautiful home where age will affect them no more And although their names are not found in any Church Book on earth we believe they are written in the Lamb's Book of Life
On the other strand
This little band
Will surely stand
Arrayed in white
At God's right hand
May the Lord and Master hasten the day when every parent in the land yes in the world shall pour out his or her soul in humble fervent prayer to God with and for their children hasten the days when this glorious influence shall flow as a river from generations to generation And as a river widens and deepens with each successive stream to may the influence of faithful praying parents increase with each successive generation and regeneration And widens the deepen until this glorious influence shall flow from family to family and meet and mingle together forming a heavenly arch built up the rock of ages around the path of life and strengthend by the influence of the Holy spirit Under which every soul in the world shall find a shield and a shelter from the temptation of saten which shall be almost distroyed or crouded out of existance by the knowledge of God which shall cover the earth as the waters of the greate deep cover their places
For each of us the Son of God
In mercy did attone
To share with us his glory
And setup on his throne
And from sin the Savior frees
And we are born again
And glory to be Jesus
Hallala a amen
May the Father Son and Spirit
Ever be our friend
And glory be to Jesus
Our joys shall never end.