Dates

• Existence: 1895-unknown

Biography

Chauncey I. Fleming was a Missourian who served in Company E, 55th Infantry during World War I, stationed at Camp MacArthur in Waco, Texas. Although he was anxious to get to France, it seems that he was never posted overseas. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. B. A. Fleming, lived at 3806 Humphrey Street in St. Louis. His father appears to have had some kind of business, and Chauncey himself spoke of entering business college someday. Chauncey liked good music, was a voracious reader, and generally tried to better himself intellectually. He hoped for higher responsibility in the army and was disappointed to discover that he would not have the chance to try for an officer's commission. Thereafter he concentrated on attaining the rank of corporal. Many of Chauncey Fleming's letters are addressed to Myrtle Dustman, whom he referred to as "Dearest" and "Rascal." She was apparently his fiancee and seems to have been a simpler, less cultured character than Fleming. Fleming often exhorted her to attempt to write the kind of detailed, thoughtful letters he hoped for from her. Myrtle had some kind of office job and lived at 1929 California Avenue in St. Louis.

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