Reverend David Fleming 1830 – 1920
Vicar of St. Mary’s Church, Coxhoe 1867 – 1920
Honorary Canon of Durham Cathedral 1916 – 1920
David Fleming was born in Old Monkton, Lanarkshire, Scotland.
A member of the Royal Astronomical Society. He was awarded a
at Glasgow University.
He worked as a curate at Leeds, Grosmont and West Hartlepool.
BA
In 1867 he was appointed vicar of Coxhoe, the living earning him
£300 per year. At first he lodged in a blacksmith’s house near
Coxhoe crossroads.
At that time the village had no church building.
Services were held in an old cottage and at the
old Temperance Hall near Foundry Row.
St. Mary’s Church was opened in 1868 and had
a capacity of 458 people.
Photograph from Brian Hall Collection
Rev. Fleming involved himself in church and
community alike, helping St. Mary’s to flourish
and the church school to develop.
Photographs show him attending social events at
Coxhoe Hall.
Photograph from Brian Hall Collection
Rev. Fleming remained single and employed a
number of domestic servants over the years.
The 1871 Census records him as living at the
Vicarage, his domestic servant at the time being
Christina Seymour, aged 50 from Coniscliffe.
His sister Elizabeth Fleming is recorded as his
housekeeper in 188 1 and 1891. Domestic
servant in 1891 was Ellen Downs, aged 19, from Cornwall.
Margaret Gibbons, aged 20 from Burnhope
was domestic servant in 1901. Elizabeth
Ayre, from Wingate was housekeeper (aged
50) at that time and also in 1911.
In his last Will he bequeathed “a legacy of
£50 and all my bed and table linen to my
housekeeper Elizabeth Ayre provided she
shall continue with me to my decease”.
One month’s wages was bequeathed to any
other servant in his service at his death.
In 1916 he was made an honorary Canon of Durham
Cathedral.
Canon Fleming died on 15th December 1920 aged 90 years
having spent 53 of them at St. Mary’s Parish Church.
He had asked that ‘he be buried in Coxhoe Churchyard close
to the east end of the Church in front of the east window”.
In his obituary published on 24th December 1920 the Durham
Advertiser described him as ‘of kindly disposition to all
classes, irrespective of creed, doing many kindly actions in a
quiet, reserved manner, the late Mr Fleming was greatly
esteemed “’.
Photograph from Brian Hall Collection
Researched by members of Coxhoe History Group
Timeline: Ancestors of Rev David Fleming .1
First Generation .5
Source Citations
Name Index
Printed by Legacy on 8 Apr 2008
Timeline: Ancestors of Rev David Fleming
First Generation
1. Rev David Fleming [2236], son of James Fleming [1080] and Margaret Cairns [292], was
born on 4 Feb 1830 in OId Monkland, Lanarkshire, Scotland, was christened on 14 Feb 1830 in Old
Monkland, Lanarkshire, Scotland, died on 15 Dec 1920 in Coxhoe, Co Durham, England1 aged 90, and
was buried on 20 Dec 1920 in St Mary's Parish church, Coxhoe, Co Durham.1
Noted events in his life were:
• He appeared on the Scottish census on 6 Jun 1841 in Drumpellier Gate, Old Monkland,
Lanarkshire.2
Widow Fleming, 40, (Dressmaker) B: Lanarkshire, Scotland
John Fleming, 15, B: Lanarkshire, Scotland
Jas Fleming, 15, (Ap Mason), B: Lanarkshire, Scotland
David Fleming, 10, B: Lanarkshire, Scotland
Crawford Fleming, 5, B: Lanarkshire, Scotland
• He appeared on the Scottish census on 30 Mar 1851 in N 201 Thistle St, Gorbals,
Lanarkshire, Scotland.
David Fleming, Lodger, 21, (Sogical Student Glasgow College) B: Old Monkland
[Home of Matthew Connell.]
• He appeared on the Englsih census on 7 Apr 1861 in Eskdaleside, Yorkshire, England.3
David Fleming, Head, Unmar, 31, (B.A. Lic Curate of Grosmont) B: Scotland
• Testimonial: Revd.
D. Flemming's Testimonial., 8 May 1867.4 To the Right Reverend
Charles Lord Bishop of Durham.
We whose names are here under written testify & make known that David Fleming,
Clerk, bachelor of arts of Glasgow University nominated to serve the cure of Coxhoe in
the County of Durham hath been personally known to us for the space of these years last
past; that we have had opportunities of observing his conduct; that during the whole of
that time we verily believe that he lived piously soberly and honestly, nor have we at any
time heard any thing to the contrary thereof; not hath he at any time, as far as we know or
believe, held, written, or taught any thing contrary to the doctrine or discipline or the
United Church of England and Ireland; and moreover we believe him in our consciences
to be as to his moral conduct, a person worthy to be admitted to benefice.
In witness whereof we have hereunder sign our hand this 8th day May in this
year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & sixty seven.
Signed
JG Rowe MA Vicar of Berwick Upon Tweed
John Lawson MA Incumbent of Seaton Carew
Henry B Tristram MA Vicar of Greatham
• He appeared on the English census on 2 Apr 1871 in Vicarage, Comforth, Co Durham,
England.5
David Fleming, Head, Unmar,41, (Vicar of Coxhoe), B: Scotland
• He appeared on the English census on 3 Apr 1881 in Black Gate Coxhoe Vicarager,
Cornforth, Durham.6
David Fleming, Head, 51, (Vicar of Coxhoe), B: Scotland
Elizabeth Fleming, 53, (Housekeeper) B: Scotland
Elizabeth A Rainshaw, Serv, 17 (Gen Serv)
• Directory Listing: Kelly's directory, 1890.7 The church of St Mary, consecrated in 1868,
is a building of stone, in the early decorative style, consisting of chancel and nave, south
porch, and has one bell: there are 550 sittings. The register dates from the year 1868.
The living is a vicarage, yearly value £300, with residence, in the gift of the crown and the
Bishop of Durham alternately, and held since 1867 by the rev. David Fleming B.A of
Glasgow University, F.R.A.S.
• He appeared on the English census on 5 Apr 1891 in Vicarage, Coxhoe, Durham.8
David Fleming, Head, 61 (Clergy Vicar of Coxhoe), B: Scotland
1
Printed by Legacy on 8 Apr 2008
Timeline: Ancestors of Rev David Fleming
Elizabeth Fleming, Sister, 63, B: Scotland
• He appeared on the English census on 31 Mar 1901 in Vicarage, Coxhoe, Durham.9
David Fleming, Head, 71, (Clergyman, Church of England), B: Scotland
Also two servants.
• He signed a will on 17 Apr 1919 in Coxhoe, Durham, England.
THIS IS THE LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT of me Reverend Canon DAVID FLEMING
of the Vicarage Coxhoe in the County of Durham all former Wills and Codicils are
hereby cancelled I APPOINT my brother CRAWFORD MUIR FLEMING and my nephew
ALEXANDER DAVIDSON FLEMING to be EXECUTORS of this my WILL I GIVE AND
BEQUEATH my two telescopes my study writing desk my reading stand all my
astronomical books all my pictures and all my diagrams my photographic portfolios
my plate portfolio my albums the whole of the works of Sir Walter Scott and also such
other books as he may choose to select and also my harmonium unto my nephew the
said Alexander Davidson Fleming I GIVE AND BEQUEATH my piano all my old china
all my drawing room ornaments including the circular mirror and my mahogany chest
of draws in the guests bedroom unto my niece Mrs. R.G. Murdoch (nee Mary Fleming) I
GIVE AND BEQUEATH all my presentation books my presentation inkstand my silver
pocket communion service and all my plated articles and cutlery to my brother
Crawford Muir Fleming I GIVE a legacy of fifty pounds and all my bed and table linen to
my housekeeper Elizabeth Ayre provided she shall continue with me till my decease I
GIVE the legacy of one months wages to any other servant who may be in service with
me at my decease AND I direct my executors to pay thereout of my estate all my debts
and funeral and testamentary expenses the piece of land adjoining the Vicarage I
desire my executors to dispose of it in the way they deem best and as to all the
residue of my estate I leave and bequeath it to my executors to be divided between
them in equal portions for their absolute use I desire and request that the Coxhoe
Church yard close to the east end of the Church and in front of the East Window and
that a recumbent grave stone be placed over me at the expense of my estate I
DECLARE this to be my last WILL IN WITNESS whereof I have hereunto set my hand
this 17th day of April 1919.
(Signed) DAVID FLEMING.
Signed by the said testator in the present of use both being present at the same time
who in his presence at his request and in the presence of each other have herunto
subscribed our names as witnesses.
(Sgd) Arthur Griffin, Asst. Curate, Coxhoe Parish Church. 17th April 1917.
(Sgd) Robina Tait, Widow, Coxhoe.
[Proved in Durham 7 Jan 1921. Gross value 1315 -39 Estate Duty }
• His obituary was published on 24 Dec 1920 in Durham County Advertiser.10
Death of Canon Fleming, Coxhoe.
In our last issue we briefly recorded the death of the Rev. Canon David Fleming B.A.,
vicar of Coxhoe for half a century. The deceased gentleman, who was 90 years of age,
was educated at the University of Glasgow, where he graduated B.A. in 1856. He was
ordained deacon in 1858 and priest in the following year by the Bishop of Ripon. He was
curate of St. Savior's Leeds, 1858-9, Grosmont, Yorks, 1858-63, and West Hartlepool,
1863-67. He was preferred to the Vicarage of Coxhoe in 1867. At that time the services
were held in the old Temperance Hall in the village, the present parish church not having
opened till the following year. Since then large C.E. Schools have been built at Coxhoe.
On the death of Canon Barnet Kelloe, four years ago, Mr. Fleming was made an honorary
canon of Durham Cathedral. Six years ago a new organ was placed in the parish church
in celebration of his 47th year as vicar; an oak communion rail being erected on the
occasion of his jubilee. He took a keen interest in astronomy, and was a fellow of the
Royal Astronomical Society. The late vicar was never married. Of a kindly disposition to
all classes, irrespective of creed, doing many kindly actions in a quiet reserved manner,
the late Mr. Fleming was greatly esteemed.
2 Printed by Legacy on 8 Apr 2008
Timeline: Ancestors of Rev David Fleming
Nonconformist Sympathy.
Sympathetic reference was made by the superintendent minister, the Rev G.R. Bell, who
preached in the Primitive Methodist Church, Coxhoe, on Sunday night, to the death of the
Vicar of Coxhoe, Rev Canon Fleming, and it was decided that a letter of sympathy be
forwarded, on behalf of the church, to the late vicar's relatives. The congregation
expressed their sympathy by standing for a short time. It was also arranged for arranged
that Coun. S. Lancaster should represent the church at the funeral, in the unavoidable
absence of the Rev G.R. Bell, who had to officiate at another funeral at Trimdon Grange.
The internment took place on Monday afternoon, the remains, encased in a plain
oak coffin, being laid in a grave underneath the east window of the church, close to the
entrance to the churchyard. A representative company assembled at the vicarage to join
the procession, which was headed at the Church of England Schools by choir and robed
clergy.
The principal mourners were Mr Crawford Fleming, brother, Major A.D. Fleming,
Mrs Tait, Belgrave House, and Mrs Ayre, the Vicarage. Sidesmen, Sunday School
teachers, and members of the Girls Guild also took part. "O rest in the Lord" was
rendered on the organ as the procession entered the church, followed by the hymn,
"Peace perfect peace."
The Rev Canon Hawarth, South Hetton, and the Rev A.S.G. Griffen, curate,
Coxhoe, officiated in the church, the lesson being read by the Rev T.H. Lomax. Psalm 90
was chanted by the choir. As the procession left the church Chopin's Funeral March was
played by the organist, Mr J.G. Robinson the hymn, "The King of Love my Sheppard is, "
being sung as the procession journeyed to the grave, where the committal service was
simple, plain and sincere, just as the late Vicar would have wished it to be.
Among the clergy present were the Revs Canon Howarth, South Hetton; G.A
West, Easington; T.H. Lomax, D. Birney, Ferryhill; H, Blackwood, Thornley; C. Parkinson,
Sherborn; A. Brown, Monk Hesledon; C. Geeson, Kelloe, representing Canon Martin,
who was unable to attend owing to illness. Councillor B. Lancaster representing the
Primitive Methodist Church, Coxhoe the superintendent minister Rev G.R. Bell, being
engaged at a funeral at Trimdon. Others present were the churchwardens, Mr J. Cook
and Mr J. Pallister, who carried their wands of office; Messrs H Wilson, E Jamison, V.
Greenwell, Miss Steel, sidesmen, Sunday School teachers and scholars, Mr John Wood,
Miss Wood, Miss B Wood, Coxhoe Hall; Dr Cooper, Hutton Henry; Messrs J.J Furneis.
Brandon House; J.T Mann, F.Taylor. West Comforth; W.Priest, Ferryhill; G.Carr, Comforth
Lane; Councillor, J. McNally, Messrs T.S. Allison, W.H. Smith BSc., J.T. Brown, H. Cook,
G. Jackson, L.T. Robinson, W. Iseton, W. Picken, M. Robinson, J. Busby, M.Wandless,
R.V. Heron, Coxhoe; and others. Messrs C. Jackman, T. Heron, W. Greenwell, and A.
Jameson, Coxhoe were the bearers.
Wreaths were forwarded by: Brother and nephew; Mr and Misses Wood; Mrs
Tait and family; scholars and staff, C.E Schools, church officials, church choir, and
Sunday School teachers. The arrangements were carried out by Mr R Sanderson,
Coxhoe.
• His obituary was published in the Royal Astronomical Society in Feb 1921.11 CANON
DAVID FLEMING, who died at the age of ninety years was educated at the University of
Glasgow, graduated in 1856 and taking holy orders two years later. After holding curacies
in Leeds, Grosmont, and West Hartlepool, he accepted the living of Coxhoe in 1867, and
held the benefice for half a century. During his vicariate the present parish church was
completed and schools built.
On the death of Canon Barnet a few years ago, he was appointed honourary canon of
Durham Cathedral.
He took a deep interest in astronomy, and used a 5-ich reflecting telescope.
He was elected a Fellow of the Society on 1878 January 11.
• Monument Inscription: Coxhoe parish church.
Sacred To The Memory.
Rev David Fleming B.A. F.R.A.S.
Hon Cannon Of Durham Cathedral.
3 Printed by Legacy on 8 Apr 2008
Timeline: Ancestors of Rev David Fleming
Vicar Of Coxhoe From 1867 T0 1920.
Born 4 Feb 1830 - Died 15th Dec 1920.
4 Printed by Legacy on 8 Apr 2008
Source Citations
1. Obituary Rev Canon David Fleming.
2. 1841 Scottish Census, Lanarkshire, Parish: Old Monkland; ED: 24; Year: 1841. Repository:
Ancestry.com.
uk (UK Census Collection).
3. 1861 English Census, Yorkshire, Class: RG9; Piece: 3646; Folio: 45; Page: 14; GSU roll: 543166.
Repository: Ancestry.com. uk (UK Census Collection).
4. Durham University Archives and Special Collections, Photocopy held by myself.
5. 1871 English Census, Durham, Class: RG10; Piece: 4909; Folio: 55; Page: 2; GSU roll: 848012.
Repository: Ancestry.com. uk (UK Census Collection).
6. 1881 English Census, Durham, RG11; Piece: 4902; Folio: 50; Page: 28; Line: ; GSU roll: 1342179.
Repository: Ancestry.com. uk (UK Census Collection).
7. Historic Directories.
8. 1891 English Census, Durham, Class: RG12; Piece: 4055; Folio 154; Page 44; GSU roll: 6099165.
Repository: Ancestry.com. uk (UK Census Collection).
9. 1901 English Census, Durham, Class: RG13; Piece: 4632; Folio: 102; Page: 4. Repository:
Ancestry.com.
uk (UK Census Collection).
10. Durham Records Office. Repository: Durham Records Office, County Hall , Durham, DH1 5UL.
11. The Smithsonian/NASA Astrophysics Data System. Repository: Harvard-Smithsonian Center for
Astrophysics.
5 Printed by Legacy on 8 Apr 2008
Name Index
CAIRNS
Margaret [292], 1
FLEMING
David (Rev) [2236], 1
James [1080], 1
6 Printed by Legacy on 8 Apr 2008
Researched by Mrs. Jean Tennant