Walter Lynwood Fleming was born in Pike County, Alabama, on the 8th of April, 1874, and died in his home in Nashville on the 3rd of August, 1932. He was married to Mary Wright Boyd, daughter of Col. David French Boyd and Esther G. Wright Boyd. He was educated at Brundidge Academy, Alabama Polytechnic Institute, and Columbia University, where he was awarded a PhD in 1904. He was Assistant in English and History and Assistant Librarian, Alabama Polytechnic Institute, 1896-98. He served in the Spanish-American War as First Sergeant, Co. A, Alabama Volunteer Infantry; later 2nd Lieutenant, Co. H, 3rd Alabama Volunteer Infantry (this company consisted of colored soldiers and non-commissioned officers with white commissioned officers.) After the close of the war he served as Quartermaster, 2nd Division Field Hospital, 4th Army Corps. He declined a commission in the regular U.S. Army to return to academic work. He served as Professor of History at West Virginia University, 1903-1907; Professor of history at Louisiana State University, 1907-1917; Head of the History and Political Science Department and Dean of Graduate School and Academic School at Vanderbilt University, 1917-1929. When he became incapacitated by strokes, he became Dean Emeritus until his death in 1932. His noted works include:
Civil War and Reconstruction in Alabama
Documentary History of Reconstruction (Editor)
Documents Relating to Reconstruction (Editor)
Reconstruction of the Seceded States
Sequel of Appomattox
Freedmens Savings Bank
History of Louisiana State University
He was elected to the Alabama Hall of Fame in 1957.
