Bluffton, Indiana Bluffton Chronicle
Wednesday, June 02, 1909 - P1C5

James T. Mossburg Died This Morning

One Of The Best Known Pioneers, Was Claimed By Death At Age Of 81

James T. Mossburg, one of the oldest of Wells county pioneer citizens died last Friday at eight o'clock at his home near Bly. His death brought to an end eight years of suffering and more than three years of practically complete invalidism. He was a sufferer from bladder trouble and Bright's disease and those ailments combined with his advanced age were the direct cause of his death. His wonderful vitality, a heritage from the hardy pioneer stock from which he descends prolonged his life wonderfully. He was able to make complete arrangements for his own funeral.

The decedent was the son, one of a family of four, of Rev. Henry and Jane (Thrailkill) Mossburg. He was born in Delaware county (born in Henry Co.,IN & moved to Delaware Co. when he was 2 yrs old according to handwritten letter by James) and moved to the place of his death at the age of nine years. One year after his family moved to Wells county, in 1838, his father died. At that time there were but two white families residing in Liberty Township and the father of the decedent was the first white man buried in that township.

The father, Rev. Henry Mossburg, lost his health in the war of 1812. He settled on twenty acres of land in Delaware county in 1827, improved and sold that land and settled on eighty acres deeded from the government. This land was cleared and cultivated and sold before the family moved to Wells county. The father was a minister of the Christian church and his strong religious faith descended to his son who was devout Christian.

The decedent was married three times, on January 29, 1869, to Isabel Mounsey, on May 6, 1882, to Mary Parker and on September 14, 1901 to Sarah Hobson. From these marriages eight children survive. They are Mary Jane Barton, of Zanesville, Anna Stroud, of Bly, Isabel Murphy, of Indianapolis, Hiram, residing on the home farm, James of Indianapolis, Elijah, of this city, Anna Welden of Boehmer, and Almira Custard.

Two brothers Daniel and Henry, have preceded him in death and of his own generation but one sister Mrs. Ethelinda Day, of Bly, survives. In direct descent there are 37 grandchildren and 45 great grandchildren, the family connection being one of the largest in this part of the state.

At Mr. Mossburg's own request, he will be buried in the Mossburg cemetery. The funeral took place Sunday at ten o'clock at the Liberty Union church. Mr. Mossburg was a member of the Bly Christian church. The officiating minister was Rev. Joseph Dipboye, of Elwood, father of Rev. Johnathan Dipboye, of this city and Rev. Bruce Mentzer of Anderson.
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Bluffton, Indiana Bluffton Chronicle
Wednesday, June 09, 1909 - P1C2

Mossburg Obituary

The following was written by the late James T. Mossburg, upon the back of a photograph of himself:

"I was born on January the 30th 1827, in Henry County, Indiana, and I lived a few years in Delaware County, near Muncie Town. In October 1837, my father and family moved to Liberty Township, Wells County, Indiana and settled where I now live, and have lived from that time to this, May 20, 1907, nearly 70 years. On January the 29th, 1864, I was married to Isabella Mounsey. On January the 29th, 1869, she died. We had lived together 23 years. During that time we had 10 children, 7 girls , 3 boys, 5 girls, 3 boys still living. Two little girls died, Sarah and Emma. On the 3rd day of February, 1870, I was married to Mary Parker. On the 6th day of May, 1882 she died. We had no children. On the 29th day of March, 1883, I was married to Sarah C. Hodgson. On the 14th day of September, 1901, she died. We had no children. I now have living, 8 children, 37 grand children, 43 great grand children, a total of 88 living - 2 children, 14 grand children, four great grandchildren dead, all counted 108 to this date, May the 20th, 1907.

(Thanks to David Huffman for OBITs)