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LFLB History Museum

Joseph Fleming: Climbing the Ladder

Fleming family in 1900, 1904, and 1916 - their dress reveals both the changing times and the family's increasing prosperity. Joseph Fleming is (successively) seated at left, age 19; standing second from right, age 23; and standing third from right, age 35. Image source: Fleming family.

Joseph Barclay Fleming was from Kilwinning, Scotland. His father Robert Archibald brought the young family to the Braidwood, Illinois area, where Robert worked as a coal miner.

After a mine collapse, Robert was made an inspector. The family moved to Chicago where Robert worked as a court clerk. His wife Jane became one of the first female school principals in Chicago.


Robert Archibald Fleming (1855-1922) and Jane Barclay Fleming. Image source: Fleming family.

Son Joseph Barclay Fleming was an excellent student. He graduated from law school and worked as an Assistant States Attorney. Later he joined the firm now known as Kirkland and Ellis, which was founded in 1909 by future Chicago Tribune publisher Robert R. McCormick. Fleming soon became a partner.


Joseph Barclay Fleming.

Joseph Fleming and Lily Belland married in 1910. The couple had five children and bought “Woodleigh” at 907 North Sheridan Road in Lake Forest. The Flemings lived there for over 40 years.


Woodleigh, 907 N. Sheridan Road.

Joseph served as Chair of the Lake Forest College Board of Trustees. In 1957, LFC awarded Fleming an honorary Doctor of Laws Degree. His portrait hangs in the college library.


Joseph Fleming beneath his portrait at Lake Forest College. Image source: Lake Forest College Archives and Special Collections, Donnelley and Lee Library.
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