History and Biography of Henry Flinchbaugh

Henry Flinchbaugh is the third son of Martin Flinchbaugh and Barbara Pfister.  He was born May 28, 1779 in York County, PA and baptized July 4, 1779 at Blymire’s Church.  On May 28, 1803, Henry married Margaret Geesey, daughter of Conrad Geesey at Christ Lutheran Church in York, York County, PA.  As mentioned on the page about his father Martin, Henry purchased his father’s property from his estate once his older brother Martin declined the opportunity to buy it.

According to census records, Henry and Margaret lived in Hopewell Township until at least 1820, when they then moved to Shrewsbury Township.  Henry can’t be located in the 1840 census (that census only lists head of households), but he does show up again in the 1850 census living in Springfield Twp (which was a part of Shrewsbury) with John Godfrey and John’s wife Elizabeth.  Death certificates confirm that Elizabeth’s maiden name was Flinchbaugh, making it very likely that Henry was living with his daughter and son-in-law in 1850.  Also of note, the 1840 census for John Godfrey in Springfield Township lists a male and female, both ages 60-69 living in his household.  Since we know Henry was living with them in 1850 it is possible he and his wife Margaret were also living with them in 1840, especially since Henry could not be located in his own household in that census.

We know for certain that Henry and Margaret also had another child, John was born May 1, 1805 and baptized June 2, 1805 at Blymire’s Church in York Twp, York County, PA.  This is very likely the John Flinchbaugh who married Dolly Smith.  There is a John Flinchbaugh in Shrewsbury Township in the 1830 census, this household consists of 1 male age 20-29, which is John, 1 female 20-29, which is likely Dolly and 1 female under age 5, likely their daughter Ellen born in 1829.

The last record we have for Henry is the 1850 census, he is not listed anywhere in the 1860 census.  His wife Margaret is not listed in the 1850 census and likely passed away sometime before then.  Unfortunately, there are no estate, will or Orphans Court records for Henry or his wife.  Also, the graves for Henry and Margaret have not been located either, so it is unclear when they passed away.  Based on census records, it appears Margaret passed away sometime between 1840 and 1850 and Henry passed away between 1850 and 1860

Henry almost certainly had other children reach adulthood, but we can’t be certain of who they might be.  Visit the Flinchbaugh Children of Unknown Parentage page to see who some of his possible children could be.

Children and Grandchildren of Henry Flinchbaugh and his wife Margaret Geesey:

1. John Flinchbaugh born May 1, 1805 in York County, PA, baptized June 2, 1805 at Blymire’s Church in York Twp, York County, PA and died about 1836.  He married Dolly Smith born about 1806 and died about 1839 in York County, PA.
   1. John Flinchbaugh born about 1827 in York County, PA, died unknown
   2. Ellen Flinchbaugh born Feb 12, 1829 in York County, PA and died May 3, 1903 in Kosciuko County, IN.
   3. Matilda Flinchbaugh born October 26, 1830 in York County, PA, died April 15, 1920 in McDonough County, IL and buried at Hutchinson Cemetery in McDonough County, IL.  She married Leo Carson born March 2, 1830, died February 20, 1880 in McDonough County, IL and buried at Hutchinson Cemetery in McDonough County, IL.
   4. Dolly Flinchbaugh born about 1833 in York County, PA
   5. Henry Flinchbaugh born August 10, 1835 in York County, PA, died October 5, 1921 in York County, PA and buried at Codorus Church of the Brethren in Springfield Twp,  York County, PA.  He married Mary Keeney born March 19, 1841, died July 19, 1898 in York County, PA and buried at Codorus Church of the Brethren in Springfield Twp,  York County, PA
2. Elizabeth Flinchbaugh born about 1808 in York County, PA and died about 1868 in York County, PA.  She married John Godfrey born about 1794 and died about 1866 in York County, PA.
   1. Levi Godfrey born March 1, 1830 in York County, PA, died November 19, 1911 in York County, PA and buried at Codorus Church of the Brethren in Springfield Twp,  York County, PA.  He married Magdalena Keeney born February 7, 1824 in York County, Pa, died Februay 7, 1905 in York County, PA and buried at Codorus Church of the Brethren in Springfield Twp,  York County, PA
   2. Elizabeth Godfrey born May 12, 1841 in York County, PA and died December 26, 1908 in York County, PA and buried at St. Peter’s Cemetery in Springfield Twp, York County, PA.  She married Michael Miller born October 13, 1833 in York County, Pa, died January 29, 1879 in York County, PA and buried at St. Peter’s Cemetery in Springfield Twp, York County,
   3. Lucy Ann Godfrey born about 1849 in York County, PA

Back to Martin Flinchbaugh (1742-1802)