Ezra M. Fleenor, a successful farmer and stock-raiser of Valley township, Page county, is one of Iowa’s native sons, his birth occurring in Henry county on the 27th of June, 1860. He is a son of George and Elizabeth (Shidler) Fleenor, natives of Iowa and of Pennsylvania respectively, both of whom still survive and make their home in Clarinda. In their family were seven children, all of whom are living but one.
Reared amid the scenes and environments of rural life, Ezra M. Fleenor devoted the years of his boyhood and youth to the acquirement of a common-school education and to the work of the farm. He early became familiar with the best methods of plowing, planting and harvesting, and the experience thus gained proved of inestimable value to him when later he entered business on his own account. He remained at home until twentyfour years of age, and then, seeking to earn his own livelihood, he rented land in Page county, which he continued to operate for two years. At the expiration of that time he went west to Nebraska and purchased a farm, upon which he resided for five years. He then sold that property and returned to Page county, where he again became a renter for three years, and then purchased the farm upon which he now resides. It consists of one hundred and sixteen acres located on section 32, Valley township, and is a well improved farm, Mr. Fleenor having brought the fields under a high stateof cultivation. In connection with his general farming he makes a specialty of raising and feeding hogs, the high grade of which insures them a ready sale upon the market. He is progressive and up-to-date in his methods and his close application and capable management of his business affairs are securing for him most gratifying prosperity.
On the 27th of February1884, Mr. Fleenor was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Williams, a daughter of John and Amy (Rogers) Williams, a sketch of whom appears on another page of this volume. She was born in England and came to this country when but five years of age. By her marriage she became the mother of four children, as follows: Ralph W., residing in Page county ; Winifred, deceased; Gerene M.; and Bertha.
The parents are members of the United Brethren church while Mr. Fleenor is fraternally connected with the Woodmen of the World. Politically he gives his support to the democracy. Aside from that he has held no public office, neither seeking nor desiring political preferment. Mr. Fleenor stands high in the agricultural circles of Valley township and his progressive spirit and his true worth of character have won him the confidence and respect of the community.