William Edward Charlton Fleming (1843 – 1926)
Summary
William Edward Charlton Fleming was an Irish Anglican clergyman who served as curate and rector across County Monaghan, County Tyrone and in England. Born during the Great Famine, he was ordained deacon (1868) and priest (1869), earned an MA from Trinity College, Dublin in 1873, and held incumbencies at Currin, Kilskeery and other parishes. He married Susanna Margaret Salt in 1881, had five children, and was a signatory of the Ulster Covenant (1912). Fleming died at his rectory in Kilskeery, County Tyrone, where he was also buried.
Early Life (1843–1868)
| Event | Date | Place |
|---|---|---|
| Baptised | 1843 | Kilmore, Co. Monaghan, Ireland |
| Born (22 Apr 1843) | 22 April 1843 | Aughaboy, Parish of Kilmore, County Monaghan |
| Father: Thomas Fleming (1810‑1869) | – | – |
| Mother: Mary Ann McCormick (1805‑1893) | – | – |
| Siblings: Catherine Ann Fleming (born 1840), Eliza Jane Fleming (born 1841‑1918) | – | – |
Historical context:
Fleming’s birth coincided with the Great Irish Famine (1845‑1852), a period of widespread crop failure, famine, and emigration that profoundly affected rural communities in County Monaghan.
Education & Early Ministry (1868–1876)
| Event | Date | Place |
|---|---|---|
| Ordained Deacon | 1868 | – |
| Curate, Clogher Cathedral | 1868 | Clogher, County Tyrone |
| Ordained Priest | 1869 | – |
| MA, Trinity College Dublin | 1873 | Dublin |
Historical context:
The late 1860s saw the Church of Ireland reorganising after the disestablishment of 1871, and Trinity College was a leading centre for theological education in Ireland.
Ministry in England & Return to Ireland (1876–1881)
| Event | Date | Place |
|---|---|---|
| Curate, Holy Trinity Church | 25 Dec 1876 | Burton‑on‑Trent, Staffordshire, England |
| Rector, Currin | 1877 | County Monaghan |
| Rector, Kilskeery | 1881 | County Tyrone |
Historical context:
During the 1870s, many Irish clergy served in England due to limited opportunities at home. By the late 1870s, the Church of Ireland was expanding its presence in rural parishes.
Personal Life
| Event | Date | Place |
|---|---|---|
| Marriage to Susanna Margaret Salt | 23 Feb 1881 | St Michael's, Willington, Derbyshire |
| Children | – | – |
| • William Edwin Charlton Fleming (1882‑1946) | – | – |
| • Arthur Fleming (born & died 1883) | – | – |
| • Evelyn Marie Anna Fleming (1886‑1968) | – | – |
| • Thomas George Fosbrooke Fleming (1886‑1954) | – | – |
| • Cecil James Dudley Fleming (1889‑1977) | – | – |
Family anecdote:
According to a story told by Aunt Evelyn to Estelle Theodora Schrecker, Susanna’s family initially disapproved of her marrying an impoverished Irish clergyman; after four years of mourning, they relented.
Later Years & Legacy (1881–1926)
| Event | Date | Place |
|---|---|---|
| Residence, Kilskeery (first recorded) | 23 Feb 1881 | Kilskeery, County Tyrone |
| Residence | 1897 | Kilskeery |
| Head of household, age 57 | 31 Mar 1901 | Kilskeery |
| Residence | 1909 | Kilskeery |
| Head of household, age 67 | 2 Apr 1911 | Kilskeery |
| Signed the Ulster Covenant | 1912 | Kilskeery |
| Death (3 Dec 1926) | 3 December 1926 | The Rectory, Kilskeery |
| Burial | – | Kilskeery |
Historical context:
The Ulster Covenant (1912) was a mass movement opposing Home Rule for Ireland, reflecting the sectarian and political tensions in Northern Ireland. Fleming’s signing indicates his participation in this regional movement.
Death & Burial
- Date of death: 3 December 1926
- Place: The Rectory, Kilskeery, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland
- Burial: Kilskeery, County Tyrone
Summary of Key Milestones
- 1843: Born and baptised in County Monaghan during the Great Famine.
- 1868‑1869: Ordained deacon and priest; served as curate in Clogher Cathedral.
- 1873: Earned MA from Trinity College, Dublin.
- 1876‑1881: Curate in England; returned to Ireland as rector of Currin and later Kilskeery.
- 1881: Married Susanna Margaret Salt; began family life with five children.
- 1912: Signed the Ulster Covenant, aligning with anti‑Home Rule sentiment in Northern Ireland.
- 1926: Died at his rectory; buried locally.
This biography compiles objective facts about William Edward Charlton Fleming’s life, ministry, family, and historical context within Ireland and the United Kingdom during his lifetime.