My Genealogy Hound

WILLIAM F. MOSSER, one of the representative business men and substantial citizens of Allentown, is now owner of a large foundry in this city. By his own unaided efforts he has worked his way upward until he now occupies an enviable position in business circles. He was born in Lehigh County, Pa., on the 26th of December, 1833, and is a son of Joseph Mosser, a farmer and miller of this county, who died in Lynn Township in 1893, in the eighty-third year of his age. The family is of German origin, and was founded in America by ancestors who emigrated from the Fatherland in the seventeenth century. The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Mary Krause. She was born in this county, and is a daughter of Philip Krause. She still survives her husband, and has now reached the age of eighty-one years.

William F. Mosser of this sketch is the eldest in a family of three children, two of whom grew to mature years. The days of boyhood and youth were quietly passed in his parents’ home, and his education was acquired in the common schools. He aided his father in the mill until seventeen years of age, and then began clerking in the store of Mosser & Gehman, in Breinigsville, where he remained for two years. On the expiration of that period he entered a general store, where he was employed nine years.

In 1863 Mr. Mosser came to Allentown, and began the manufacture of iron carriage and wagon axles, as a member of the firm of Neleigh & Mosser. The partnership between these gentlemen continued until 1871, when by mutual consent it was dissolved. Our subject is now at the head of a large foundry and machine shop, where he is engaged in the manufacture of stationary pumps, machinery for mills, turbine wheels and other iron implements. He receives orders from all parts of the country, and is doing a large business, employment being furnished to fifty men. In 1892 he admitted to partnership his son, and operations are now carried on under the firm name of William F. Mosser & Son.

In 1854 our subject was united in marriage with Miss Louisa Seiberling, of Schuylkill County, Pa., and a daughter of Peter Seiberling. Five children have been born of their union, one son and four daughters, namely: Alvena, Amanda, Emma, Rosa, and Charles F., who is now associated with his father in business. The parents are both members of the Lutheran Church, contribute liberally to its support, and take an active interest in church and benevolent work.

In his political views Mr. Mosser is a stalwart supporter of the principles of the Republican party, but has never sought or desired public office, preferring to devote his entire time and attention to his business interests. In his undertakings he has met with an excellent degree of success, owing to his enterprise, industry and well directed efforts. He watches closely all the details of the business, and by careful supervision he has become one of the substantial citizens of Allentown. The firm of Mossev & Son is now doing a prosperous business, for the experience and understanding of the senior partner and the activity and enterprise of the junior form a combination which cannot fail to win success.