My Genealogy Hound

MOSES FLEXER, a retired farmer of Allentown, Pa., was born in South Whitehall, Lehigh County, May 18, 1826, and is a son of John Flexer. The grandfather also bore the name of John Flexer, and was of German descent. The father was born in South Whitehall in 1795, and made farming his life work. Having attained to mature years, he was united in marriage with Miss Catherine Reinhart, a native of Berks County, Pa., and a daughter of John Reinhart. Mr. Flexer followed farming until his death, which occurred in 1868, at quite an advanced age. His wife survived him some time and passed away in 1880. This worthy couple were the parents of three children: Moses, whose name heads this sketch; and David W. and James R., who are well known farmers of Lehigh County.

Moses Flexer acquired his education in the common schools, which he attended through the winter season, while in the summer months he aided his father in the labors of the farm. He thus became familiar with farm work in all its details, and under the parental roof he remained until he had attained his majority, when he left home and began agricultural pursuits in his own interest. He rented land in Salisbury Township, and there engaged in the raising of grain for some time, but subsequently purchased the old Flexer homestead, comprising eighty-nine acres of valuable land. This he placed under a high state of cultivation, and the well tilled fields yielded a golden tribute for the care and cultivation of the owner.

In 1854 Mr. Flexer was joined in wedlock with Miss Matilda Held, of Whitehall, daughter of John Held, and by their union were born four children. E. Amanda, who was the wife of Tilghman Kemmerer, died in 1878, leaving one daughter, Annie. Sarah is the wife of Oliver Henninger, by whom she has one child, Edna. Amelia C. is at home; and Edwin J. F. is deceased. The family reside at No. 920 West Walnut Street, where they have a pleasant and comfortable residence. The parents are both members of St. Michael’s Lutheran Church. Mr. Flexer continued upon his farm until 1873, when he came to Allentown and began business as a dealer in agricultural implements, forming a partnership with F. W. Henninger, under the firm name of Henninger & Flexer. They carried all kinds of farm machinery, having a well stocked establishment, and enjoyed a good trade, but at length Mr. Flexer disposed of his interest in the business to T. H. Biery, since which time he has lived a retired life, enjoying the rest which he has so truly earned and richly deserves. He has some good property, including his home, a store which he rents, and a valuable farm of ninety-three acres in Upper Macungie Township, well improved. This yields to him a good income, and he is recognized as one of the substantial citizens of the community. He began life without capital, but has steadily worked his way upward, overcoming the obstacles and difficulties in his path by persistent effort and unflagging energy. In politics he is a Republican, but has never sought or desired the honors or emoluments of office, preferring to give his entire time and attention to his business interests, in which he has met with signal success. All who know him esteem him highly, and with pleasure we present this record of his life to our readers.