James Kistler Mosser acquired his early intellectual training in the public schools of his native town and afterward began working in a tannery with his father, under whose direction he learned the trade of tanning 'sole' leather. His father came to Trexlertown in 1829, to take charge of a tannery which had been built many years previous. As his sons attained suitable ages he instructed them in the trade and taught them the business in which the family has been identified for tinny years. In 1849 he removed to Allentown, and in 1854 the father turned over the tannery business to his two sons, W. K and J. K. and the firm became W. K. and J. K Mosser. This continued until i859 when J. K. withdrew and with Thomas Keck and Alfred G. Saeger, formed a company styled Mosser, Keck & Company. In 1863, they established a commission house in New York City, under the name of Keck, Mosser & Company. They were the same people but took different positions in the firm at the several places. In 1873, Keck, Mosser & Company established a branch house at Boston. In 1875, Mr. Saeger withdrew from the firm. In 1876, Mr. Mosser and Thomas Keck built a tannery at Williamsport, Pa., and the firm then became J. K Mosser & Company, which name it retained until the present time. In 1884, Mr. Mossser's three sons were taken into the firm. Mr. Mosser was regarded as one of the ablest tanners in the country and he was active in business until his death on Feb. 6,1905. Each of his sons was given charge of a department, and the name of Mosser has become synonymous with the tanning industry of. America

Mr. Mosser was a director of the Allentown National Bank for a quarter of a century, and a director of the Lehigh Valley Trust Company from the time of its origination until he died. He built the "Mosser Mansion" in the Fourteenth ward, Allentown., and this he and family occupied until the completion of the fine residence at No. 445 Hamilton street, now occupied by Mrs. Mosser and her daughter. Lucy. Mr. Mosser had been actively identified with the Lutheran Church, and politically he was a Republican. He was married to Marie E. Keck and they had four children, namely: (1) Henry, married Mary Grim, they have five children: Helen. James. Henry, Miriam. and Lucy; (2) Jacob, married Sallie Seiberling and they have eight children: Annie. Paul, Carl, Harris, John, Catharine, Philip, and Charles; (3) George married Ida Hausman, and has three children, Fred, Robert and Mary; (4) Lucy Mosser married Dr. Irving Huebner. They have two children: James K. and Richard.