Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-09-11

practically abandoned the last four weeks.
but his remarkable vitality continued in
the face Of the many complications OF his
malady, bringing about short rallies Of
strength, until last night at IL o'clock, when
he became unconscious remaining so until
the end. ThrouRhout most of the last
month his mind was clear. and his obser:
vatiens. both on his conditions and things
which Interested him outside his sickroom,
showed the same clearness and directness
Of opinion which throughout his active life
were always his distinguishing traits. He
had been fully aware for long time that
his illness would prove fatal. and he accept
ed the decision in his usual quet man
ner, but made no plans beyond what con-
cerned the past summer.
The funeral services will be held at the
house Friday afternoon at o'clock, Rev.
George c. F. Bratenahl. rector of St. AL.
bans Church, officiating.
The honorary pallbearers will be Mr.. B.
H. Warner. Gen. ]. D. Richardson. grand
commander of the Scottish Rite Masonic
fraternity: DR.. Charles w. Richardson, Mr..
w. ]. Flather. Mr.. James B. Henderson
and Mr. Thomas NJ Gale.
The interment. which will be private, will
follow the exercises at the house and will
be in the family plot at Rock Creek cem-
etery.
Native of Virginia.
A native of Goochland. Va. where he
first saw the light January 10, 1912, !
Col. Robert l. Fleming was educated in the
old school Of bravery and honor, and
when the bugles sounded the call to arms
in the great civil war the youth of nine.
teen enlisted a private, April %, 1861.
in that famous old battery, the Richmond
Fayette Artillery. He participated in thir-
ty battles, rising through the grades of cor
poral, sergeant and sergeant ma jor to the
lieutenancy, which he received June 3, 1854,
on the battlefield of Cold Harbor in recog-
milton of distinguished gallantry.
But with Lees surrender came the end.
and, returning to Richmond, the young
soldier was paloled April IS, 1SG5 Soon
afterward he began in that city his busi-
ness career as an architect and builder,
and was shortly honored by being appoint
ed assistant city engineer.
Locates in Washington. !
He longed. however, for wider field,
and early in 1867 he located in Washing.
ton, where he soon won many friends, and
was in 1872 elected a member of the Dis
trict legislature, under the territorial form
Of government then prevailing, and his
fellow democrats also honored him with a
seat in the national convention which nom.
mated HOracs q .eeley for the presidency.
Under the influence OF energy. intelligence,
honesty and liberality his business prosper
ed wonderfully, and when the Confederate
Soldiers Home at Richmond, Va, could
not afford accommodations sufficient for
the veterans, Col. Fleming donated the
amount necessary to build additional
story, which, in honor of the donor, bears
his name. Gov. "Fitz" Lee, when formally,
accepting the keys of the building, thanked
Col. Fleming in behalf Of the camp and of
the southern people, and said: While 1t
has been an honored custom to Strew flow,
ers on the graves of the dead, here is a liv-
ing soldier who had made a magnificent
gilt to his living comrades which would
never be forgotten"
A similar feeling for the wants Of the
needy and aged made him take the keenest
interest in the home of the Little Sisters
OF the Poor, when established in this city
years ago. He gave his services in the
designing Of the buildings, looked after sub.
changes and alterations in them
and was always ready with advice and
terial assistance when called upon by those
in charge afterward.
Col Fleming was prominently Identified
with every movement to promote the
growth, prosperity and grand nu- OF the
Ca pital city, and his generous disposition
and high public spirit drew a ound HIM
many warm and influential friends from all
stores and residences in the city have been
erected under his direction
His Country Home.
Col Fleming spent nearly all his sum-
mers at Oak View. the former summer
residence of ex-President Cleveland, and
he was largely instrumental in thc develop,
ment of that magnificent residential section
of the District, particularly by the loca-
tion there Of several important educa-
tional institutions. His city residence was
l4OS Massachusetts avenue northwest, and
in both of his elegant homes he loved to
display the delightful, warm hearted, OPEN,
handed hospitality for which Virginia and
Virginians have ever been owe! biai.
Col. Fleming spent four months abroad
last year with his family, and when he re-
turned In October was much improved IN