Harry J. Flemming was born in Buffalo, New York on November 17, 1886, according to his World War I and II draft cards at Ancestry.com. In the 1900 U.S. Federal Census, he was the second of three children born to Frederick and Rose. They lived in Buffalo, New York at 456 Glenwood. His father was a sign painter. The Buffalo Express (New York), June 4, 1907, reported the “Art School Commencement”: “…Buffalo Art Students’ League scholarships, representing four months free tuition in the school: …Men’s life class, Urquhart Wilcox, instructor…honorable mention, Harry J. Fleming [sic]….” Academy Notes, Volume 4, Issue 12, 1909, published the article, “A Satisfactory Year in the Art School“, which said, “…In the competitive examination for scholarships, given by the Art Students’ League of New York—open to any student in the country—the Art School of Buffalo was awarded two scholarships on life work—one to Frank Minstermann and the other to Harry J. Flemming….”
His address in the 1920 census was the same as his draft card. He was an artist and painter. The New York Times reported his marriage on June 26, 1921.
Flemming–Stein.
Announcement is made of the marriage of Harry J. Flemming, an artist and illustrator, and Miss Lurana F. Stein, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Stein of Flatbush, at the bride’s home on Wednesday [June 22] last. The couple are on a motor trip through this State and Canada.
The 1940 census recorded him at 200 East 16th Street in Manhattan, where he was a freelance artist. On April 25, 1942, he signed his World War II draft card. He lived at the same address and was self-employed. His description was five feet four inches, 133 pounds, with brown eyes and hair.
Flemming passed away in 1953. He was buried at the family plot in Buffalo, New York, according to Find a Grave.
—Alex Jay