West Liberty History 1838-1938

Source: One Hundred Years of History
* Commemorating a Century of Progress in the West Liberty Community * WEST LIBERTY, IOWA
SOCIETY OF FRIENDS

The following sketch of the early Quakers is taken almost entirely from the writings of L. O. Mosher, who had colleced and written a series of memoirs in 1914.

A picturesque feature in the religious world is rapidly disappearing in the history of our country " That of the old time Quakers, their quaintness in dress, manner and speech of more than half a century."

Then it was not rare to find through the western country settlements of Friends, or as the world called the Quakers.

When this country was opened for settlement and impetus was given to immigration, it was a rich fertile tract, beautifully situated and appealing to all as a good land for home making, and was rapidly settled. Among the early arrivals in this vicinity were John Wright, Enoch Lewis, and Nehimiah Chase and their families, all of Quaker descent. It became known through the eastern states and attracted others of like belief.

Stephen Mosher, Joseph M. Wood, and John Gibson, all of Ohio, Rueben and George Elliott of Maryland, all with large families came with others until they were numerous enough to desire a Society of Fellowship in the new settlement. The necessary steps were taken and the meeting organized. From 1858 to 1862 the society had no house of worship and held its meetings in the school house known as North Prairie school or the residence of Stephen Mosher. A membership of 108 was enrolled up to the time of 1864.

So strong had the Society become that by 1862 its membership decided to erect a meeting house. It was located about a mile and a half north of the present West Liberty, near the S. W. corner of the N. W.,1/4 of section 1, Twp.78 N. Range 4, West of the 5th P.M. and adjacent to the old cemetery. The house was a frame structure 24x40x12, built in the prevailing style of architecture of Friends Meeting Houses the country over, plain and substantial outside and in. It was begun by Mathias Wilson and completed by Joseph M. Wood. In 1869 the house was transfered to the corner of Calhoun and 8th streets.

After the organization of the Quarterly Meeting in 1864 the membership increased by more than 200 accessions. By 1915 the Society had become so depleted and removal that the remnant remaining deemed it best to discontinue the Meeting and dispose of the property. It was moved to a lot just east and used as a dwelling.

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