Charles E. Mosher

MOSHER, EMERSON, WHITING, MORRIS, GILLSON, CUTLER, HERVEY

Posted By: Fran Hunt, Volunteer
Date: 10/5/2001 at 22:08:24

From the Portrait and Biographical Album of Jefferson and Van Buren Counties – 1890
CHARLES E. MOSHER
Charles E. Mosher, the owner of seven hundred and sixty acres of land in Van Buren County, his home being situated on Section 12, Jackson Township has resided in this community since 1854. In September of the previous year he came west and made purchase of three hundred and twenty acres of land in this county, to the cultivation and improvement of which he has since devoted his energies with excellent success.
Mr. Mosher was born on August 29, 1820 in Vermont, of which state his parents Alanson and Eunice Emerson Mosher were also natives. His maternal grandfather was one of the leading citizens of Windsor County Vermont; in fact he had a statewide reputation, especially in the Congregational Church, of which he was a prominent and active member. He was a contractor and builder by trade, and in connection with that carried on farming and operated a saw and gristmill. His business was an extensive one and he became a wealthy citizen. The father of our subject spent his entire life in the Green Mountain State, his death occurring in 1825. His wife survived him many years, dying at the age of seventy-five years. They were parents of four children, the youngest of whom died in infancy. Our subject is the only one of the family now living; George C. died in Vermont some years ago; and Francis T. died on September 2, 1890 of heart disease, in Rochester Vermont. He was then seventy-two years of age and was one of the most prominent and leading citizens of that community. His popularity was due to his upright life, which won him the respect of all with whom he came in contact. He filled various offices of trust in the county and his public and private career was alike above reproach. He became a well to do citizen, which leaves his family in comfortable circumstances. A wife, four children and his brother Charles were left to mourn the loss of one who had never forfeited a claim to their affection, but, had bound himself to them by closer ties of love, as the years rolled along. His memory will be cherished, by his brother who remains.
Mr. Mosher spent the days of his boyhood and youth in his native county, whence he came directly to Van Buren County Iowa. Having previously attained to mature years, he chose as a helpmate in life’s journey Miss Caroline T. Whiting, their union being celebrated in July of 1850. The lady was born November 16, 1832, and was a daughter of Stephen A. and Rebecca Morris Whiting. Seven children were born unto them, four sons and three daughters, namely: Napoleon, Charles, George, Frank and Eunice wife of George W. Gillson; Rebecca and Carrie. After a happy wedded life of thirty-six years, Mrs. Mosher passed away in 1886, dying of consumption. Mr. Mosher was married the second time to Lutherie Cutler Hervey in November 1887, and in whom he finds a most agreeable companion and helpmate.
As before stated, on his arrival in this county, Mr. Mosher purchased three hundred and twenty acres of land in Jackson Township and the following year purchased an adjoining eighty-acre tract. To this he has added from time to time as his financial resources have increased, until he is now one of the most extensive landowners of the county, his possessions aggregating seven hundred and sixty acres, the greater part of which is under a high state of cultivation and finely improved. In connection with general farming he is also engaged in stock-raising, which branch of his business has proved very profitable, he keeping from thirty to forty head of horses, from forty to fifty head of cattle, and seven hundred head of sheep of the medium breed. He is a member of the Anti Horse Thief Association, and in politics is a Republican when questions of State or national importance are brought up for settlement, but at local elections he votes for the man who he thinks will best fill the office. Mr. Mosher is an independent thinker. He arrives at conclusions unbiased by the judgment of others, but independently determines each question for himself after careful consideration. To others he allows the same privilege, and although he may differ radically on many points, those opposing him recognize his fair and upright spirit and render him respect accordingly.
Mr. Mosher, though not a soldier, was one of the most active supporters of the Union cause. He was a member of a home company known as the “True Blues,” whose object was to guard the interests of the Union at home. Mr. Mosher was the Captain of the company.
I am not related, and am only copying this for the information of those who might find this person in their family.