History of Fleming, New York, USA

1790 - Fleming was first settled around 1790
The first settlement in that part of Aurelius which is now Felming, was made about 1790. Among those ehow settled in that and the following year were Benjamin Irish, the Grovers, Edward Wheeler and Ichabod and Abel Wikinson.
Historical sketch of the town of Fleming, 1923, by Anna Peterson Post

1792 - Abel Wilkinson opened the first inn in Fleming

History of Cayuga County, New York by Elliot G. Storke, D. Mason & Co., Syracuse, New York, 1879

In 1794 the first school was taught by John Herring who had settled in Auburn, then Hardneburgs Corners.

Historical sketch of the town of Fleming, 1923, by Anna Peterson Post

Josiah Chatfield is believed to have been the first to settle where the Village of Fleming is, about 1798.

Historical sketch of the town of Fleming, 1923, by Anna Peterson Post

The first physicians who practiced in town were Drs. Asahel Cooley and Jacob Bogart, in about 1800.

Historical sketch of the town of Fleming, 1923, by Anna Peterson Post

1823 - The Town of Fleming was formed in 1823 from part of the Town of Aurelius.
Fleming was formed as a Township from Aurelius, March 28, 1823 and derives its name from one of the earliest settlers of the town, General George Fleming.

The first official meeting for the town was held April 15, 1823.
Historical sketch of the town of Fleming, 1923, by Anna Peterson Post

1836 - Fleming
FLEMING, taken from Aurelius 28th March, 1823; distant from Albany W. 160, from Auburn S. 5, miles; surface, undulating; soil, clay loam, very well cultivated; drained northwardly by a small tributary of Seneca river. Fleming, post village, centrally situated, has 1 Methodist church, 2 taverns, 2 stores, and about 20 dwellings.

Gazetteer of the State of New York, Comprehending Its Colonial History, General Geography, Geology, and Internal Improvements, Its Political State, a Minute Description of Its Several Counties, Towns, and Villages, Statistical Tables, Exhibiting the Area, Improved Lands, Population, Stock, Taxes, Manufactures, Schools, and Cost of Public Instruction, in Each Town : with a Map of the State, and a Map of Each County, and Plans of the Cities and Principal Villages – Thomas Francis Gordon, 1836, Page 376

1854 - Fleming
Fleming, a post-township of Cayuga county, New York, bordering on Owasco lake. Population, 1193.

Fleming, a post-village in the above township, near the Auburn and Ithaca railroad, 4 miles S. by W. from Auburn. It has 1 or 2 churches.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.

1859
FLEMING, a township of Cayuga co., in the state of New York, 4 m. S of Auburn, and 128 m. W of Albany. It has an undulating surface, darined by Crane brook and several small streams, which flow into Owasco lake on its E border. The soil consists of fertile clay loam, and is well-cultivated. Pop. 1,317. The village contains 150 inhabitants.
A Gazetteer of the World: Or, Dictionary of Geographical Knowledge, Publisher A. Fullarton, 1859

1868 City Directory
Fleming was taken from Aurelius, March 28, 1823, and named after Gen. George Fleming, an old resident. It lies south of the center of the County, and west of the foot of Owasco Lake. It has a rolling surface, inclining toward the north and east. The slope of the lake banks continues upward about three-fourths of a mile. The highest parts of the town are 150 to 250 feet above the lake, and 800 to 1000 feet above tide. Crane and Wheeler Creeks are the main streams. The soil is chiefly a gravelly loam, with occasional intermixture of clay and sand.

Fleming, (p.v.) near the central part, is a small village. Owasco Lake is a post office.

The first settlements were made in 1790-91. Among the early settlers were Benjamin Irish, Joseph Grover, Edward Wheeler, Ichabod and Abel Wilkinson, and James Harrington. The first birth was that of Aurelius Wheeler, in 1791, and the first death that of Mrs. West, in 1792. John Herring taught the first school, in 1794; Abel Wilkinson, kept the first... Read MORE...

In 1874 was first introduced in this town the Order of Patrons of Husbandry, No. 258, or more commonly known as the Grange.

Historical sketch of the town of Fleming, 1923, by Anna Peterson Post

1879 - Fleming
FLEMING lies at the foot of Owasco Lake, on the west side, a little south of the center of the County. It is bounded on the north by Auburn and Aurelius; on the east by Owasco Lake and its outlet; on the south by Scipio; and on the west by Springport. It was formed from Aurelius, March 28th, 1823, and derives its name from Gen. George Fleming, one of the early settlers of the town.

The surface is rolling, and has a gentle inclination to the north and east. The shore of the lake, which is a magnificent body of water, continues its upward slope about three-fourths of a mile, and is less bold upon this than the eastern side. The highest elevations in the town are 150 to 250 feet above the lake and 800 to 1,000 feet above tide. It is watered by the head waters of Crane and Wheeler Creeks, the former of which flows north to Seneca River, and the latter west to Cayuga Lake. There is very little waste land in the town, though about one-tenth of it yet remains to be brought under... Read MORE...

The town meetings were held in private homes until in 1879 when the annual meeting was held in Geer's Hotel.
After this time the meetings were held in this same building, although owned by different parties, until in 1887 when Dr. F. C. Smtih bought and converted Hale's store into the hall known as Smith's Hall where all of the town meetings have been held since 1890.
Historical sketch of the town of Fleming, 1923, by Anna Peterson Post

1895 - Fleming
Fleming, a post-village of Cayuga co., N.Y., in Fleming township, 5 miles S. of Auburn. It has 2 churches. The township is bounded on the E. by Owasco Lake, and intersected by the Southern Central Railroad. Pop. of the township, 1262.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott

The first mail delivery in Fleming was made November 1, 1900 with Hugh Cadzow of Auburn the carrier for the greater part of the town.

Historical sketch of the town of Fleming, 1923, by Anna Peterson Post

The first State-road in Fleming was built in 1907, between the foot of the lake and the stone school house.

Historical sketch of the town of Fleming, 1923, by Anna Peterson Post

1916
Fleming, a post- village of Cayuga co., N.Y., in Fleming township (town), 5 miles S. of Auburn. Pop. of the town in 1900, 1078.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher

Whether you're a local resident or a visitor passing through, there are plenty of places to go and things to do in Fleming and its surrounding areas. Here's a list:
1. Cayuga Lake State Park:

Start your exploration of Fleming with a visit to Cayuga Lake State Park, which is situated along the eastern shore of Cayuga Lake. This scenic park offers opportunities for swimming, picnicking, hiking, and fishing. The sandy beach is perfect for a relaxing day by the water.

2. Finger Lakes Wine Tours:

The Finger Lakes region, including Cayuga County, is known for its wineries. Take a wine tour and sample some of the finest wines in the area. Wineries like Thirsty Owl Wine Company and Montezuma Winery & Hidden Marsh Distillery are worth a visit.

3. Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge:

Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge, located just north of Fleming. It's a fantastic spot for birdwatching, especially during migratory seasons. You might spot bald eagles, osprey, and various waterfowl.

4. MacKenzie-Childs:

If you're interested in unique and artistic home decor, visit the MacKenzie-Childs farm and... Read MORE...