West Liberty History 1838-1938

Source: One Hundred Years of History
* Commemorating a Century of Progress in the West Liberty Community * WEST LIBERTY, IOWA
STEPHEN MOSHER FAMILY

Hugh Mosher, son of Stephen Mosher,came to America from England, settling at Dartmouth, Mass., where he was married. Records show he purchased land in 1689. Descendants from this family moved to New York State. Stephen Mosher of the sixth generation removed from Hugh Mosher, was born in New York State in September, 1806. At the age of twelve years he moved with his parents to Ohio. He was married to Ruth Smith in 1828, she also a native of New York.

In 1853, with their family of eight children, they came overland in covered wagons and settled on a farm three miles northwest of West Liberty, now occupied by Margaret Younkin. The children of this family were Elizabeth, who married Isaac Schooley. Six of her grandsons and their families, all sons of the late P. M. Schooley, live in this vicinity. Hannah Mosher became Mrs. James Barclay. Her son, W. J. Barclay, is a resident of West Liberty. Two granddaughters also live here, besides great grandchildren. Ruth Mosher became the wife of Matthias Wilson and settled on a farm on South Prairie now owned and occupied by her son, Grant Wilson. Henry Mosher married Henrietta Gibson and settled on a farm adjoining that of his father. One daighter, Mrs. May Myers, is a resident of West Liberty, with her son, Harold. A daughter-in-law, Mrs. Walter Mosher, with two of her children, Mrs. Lysle Holmes and Irwin Mosher, are also local residents. Mrs. George Kirby and sister, Mrs. Earl Lindle, and granddaughters, are residents of this vicinity. Irwin Mosher and son are the only descendants of this family in this locality who bear the name of Mosher. Mary Mosher became Mrs. Blackburn Vore and settled in West Branch. Esther Mosher married Wellington Eggleston and moved to Colorado. Bethiah Mosher became Mrs. Archibald Sinclare and died in early womanhood. Lemuel Mosher (the author of "Log Cabin History") married Lidorana D. White. They are the parents of six children, two of whom are living: Henry Mosher of Muscatine, and Martha L. Mosher who lives in Urbana, Ill. and is connected with the University in crop extension work.

The descendants of Stephen and Ruth Mosher (who were of the early group of Friends or Quakers belonging to the organization of that time dating back to 1862) are now scattered from Maryland to California, from Louisiana to Canada, and one great grandson is teaching agriculture in India.

---