Joseph M. Molsberry

MOLSBERRY

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 11/8/2022 at 00:20:42

Joseph M. Molsberry

The first to settle in Union township, was J. M. Molsberry, who first made his appearance in these climes, during the year 1854, when he entered the southwest quarter of section 32. He did not settle here at this time, but returned for his family, and in 1856, brought them with him. He erected the family mansion, of logs, upon the banks of the Shell Rock river, and all settled down to the hard life of a western pioneer. That first winter was one noted far and wide as an extremely hard one, the worst ever experienced in this locality and taking into consideration the illy constructed cabins and lack of the conveniences of life, the settlers suffered severely. Mr. Molsberry kept a stock of supplies at his house and the settlers, for miles around, came with hand sleds, to him for provisions. He still resides on the same piece of ground where first he pitched his tent, but not in the same house. Fortune having smiled upon his efforts, he has built a fine residence, in which he now dwells and enjoys the fruits of his earlier labors. Source: History of Mitchell and Worth Counties, Iowa, 1884, p.875