Day after day the grandeur of the mountains are an inspiration to us all, but in all the earth, God's masterpiece is the lives He has created. Neither the mountains, the sunset, the streams or flowers reveal to us the nature of our Creator like the message to us of a truly Christian life. Since poems, music or words of tongue or pen can not compare with the influence of life itself this week we present the story of a life that had a part in making Saguache a more beautiful and friendly place in which to live. Mr. Mosher loved people and the handiwork of his Maker. His friendliness, thoughtfulness of others and love of children will remain always in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
Ephriam Ratliff Mosher, son of Martha and Alonzo Mosher, was born at Salem, Henry Co., Iowa, July 28, 1862. He departed this life February 23, 1951 at his home in Saguache at the age of 88 years, 6 months and 25 days.
Ephriam R was the oldest of ten children, having seven sisters and two brothers His boyhood was spent helping with farm and family. He attended one year at Whittier College, Iowa, but due to ill health was forced to give up his studies.
He homesteaded in Western Kansas for a short time, but being dissatisfied and having an opportunity to continue westward, he came to the San Luis Valley in 1888. He settled in Del Norte where he was in the Livery business and later became manager of the Windsor Hotel.
In 1893 he joined the excitement in the silver boom at Creede, Colorado. Here he spent thirteen years as Superintendent of the Ridge Mine and Mill.
In 1906 he was called home because of the death of his father. Later returning to the Valley, he engaged in mining and farming at the Biedell Camp.
On the 28th day of October 1909, he was united in marriage to Harriet Louise Coolbroth. To this union were born two children, Ephraim Alonzo and Martha Mae.
He remained in Biedell Camp until 1924 when he moved to Saguache and was caretaker of the Grade School for two years. In the spring of 1926 he went to the Saguache County Court House where he was caretaker and Justice of the Peace until 1948 when ill health forced him to retire. In these last three years, regardless of failing health, he was always cheerful and first thoughts were for others.
His wife preceded him in death on January 22, 1918 during the flu epidemic. Also preceding him in death were three sisters: Anna Masden of Big Wells, Texas. Elizabeth Forsyth of Beatrice, Nebraska and Ruth Speakman of Salem, Iowa. He leaves to mourn his passing his son, Ephraim A. and his wife and sons— Stephen, Michael, James, and Clifford Donald of Saguache, and his daughter Mrs. Henry Alley and her husband and family of Monte Vista. Also there are two brothers: J.J. Mosher of Salem, Iowa, & A.M. Mosher of Montrose, Colorado; four sisters—Eva and Clara Barton both of Salem, Iowa, Maria Watts of Yates Center, Kansas and Mary Dillavou also of Iowa; plus many nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.
He was a member of the Knights of Pythias Coronado Lodge No. 25 of Del Norte. Mr. Mosher also served 15 years with the Red Cross. He was born into the Quaker Church, but during his life has attended and supported our Community Methodist Church.
Funeral Services were held Tuesday P.M. February 27, 1951, at the Community Methodist Church with Rev. Albert W. Scarffee officiating. Internment was in the Del Norte Cemetery with the Burress Funeral Home of Saguache in charge. Pallbearers were Frank Pangborn, W.C. Lewis, W.L. Jordan, Joel Goodman, L.A. Wauson and E.J. Black of Del Norte. Honorary Pallbearers were Eugene Williams, Herman Werner, Henry Keck, Riley Keck, Joe Meyrs and W.X. Meyer.