Bio: Fleming, John H. (1914)

Surnames: Fleming, LaSalle, Stevens, Flattery

----Source: History of Eau Claire County Wisconsin (1914) pages 711-712

John H. Fleming, senior member of the firm of Fleming & Son, funeral directors and embalmers, was born at Ballylanders, County Limerick, Ireland, March 27, 1850, and came to America in 1867, landing at New York City. From there he went to Port Huron, Mich., and took a position as clerk in a general store for his sister. In the fall of 1869 he came to Eau Claire and made it his permanent home. Here he entered the employ of the Northwestern Lumber Company and worked for them in the woods and river for twenty-one years, during the last ten of which he held the position of foreman.

Mr. Fleming has always taken a keen interest in public affairs and in 1890 he was nominated for sheriff of Eau Claire county on the Democratic ticket and his election followed. He proved himself a most capable sheriff and at the expiration of his term of office he entered into business as a funeral director. He took a practical course in embalming in Chicago and opened his business in 1893 at 409 Wisconsin street. Subsequently he associated his son, Thomas F., with him, and in the spring of 1912 they moved to their present location, 305 South Farwell street. Their establishment is the handsomest and most finely appointed and thoroughly equipped in Eau Claire county and is not surpassed anywhere. They have everything complete and up-to-date and carry a large stock of caskets and all accessories to their business. Both members of the firm are experts in their business, and they are recognized as the leading undertaking firm in Eau Claire and do the largest business.

Mr. Fleming has been an active Democrat all his life and has long been closely associated with the public life of Eau Claire. Many times he has been honored with public trust, which he has discharged faithfully and well. In addition to the office of sheriff he has served as alderman fifteen years, is now chairman of the county board and supervisor for the second ward. No man in Eau Claire has given more of his time and energies to the public welfare than Mr. Fleming, and all good measures meet with his endorsement and support. he is a member of St. Patrick's Catholic church, the Catholic Knights of Wisconsin, the B. P. O. E. and the Knights of Pythias.

Mr. Fleming has been twice married. His first wife was Libby Flattery, who died, leaving three children — Grace, Helen and Thomas F. Later he married Ellen Stevens, daughter of Thomas Stevens, of Erin Prairie, St. Croix county, Wis. Their children are: Irene and Eugene; Grace is the wife of William La Salle, a conductor on the Northern Pacific railway. They live in Duluth. All the others are single. Thomas F. is associated with his father in the firm of Fleming & Son, and is a courteous and capable business man, who gives his entire attention to their undertaking establishment.