243 West Main Street, Moorestown

The house at 243 West Main Street is a contributing property in the Moorestown Historic District listed on the National and State Historic Registers. It was built by Richard Flemming, c. 1775. Richard Flemming appears as a house holder on the list of Chester Township tax ratables in 1774, owing 8 shillings and 6 pence.

Flemming House, present day

Flemming moved away around 1777, according to an article in the Pennsylvania Packet:

“— The Pennsylvania Packet , September 2d, 1777…

To be SOLD by PUBLIC VENUE, on Thursday, the 18th of September instant, on the premises, a Commodious dwelling-house, and near 5 acres of ground, in Moore’s-town, Burlington County, New Jersey, within 10 miles of Philadelphia ; there are a good bearing orchard, a pump of extraordinary good water, a good hay-house and stable-room for 3 or 4 horses; the house has two good cellars under it, a lean to and a kitchen; there are two rooms on a floor both below and above stairs, and a good shop adjoining that would suit almost any tradesman. It will be sold for cash, and an indisputable title will be given to the purchaser by Richard Flemming.”           

In 1801, the home was sold by Thomas Bispham, tanner, to William McElroy, turner and Windsor chair-maker. McElroy was and is a noted New Jersey chair-maker. Many of his well-constructed chairs survive to this day and are sought after by collectors of early American furniture. A stamped McElroy chair is on display at the Smith-Cadbury Mansion.

19th century McElroy chair

Historical marker