NameAbraham MOSSER
Birthabt 1751, Born at Sea222
Death16 Jan 1822, Lawrence Township, Tuscarawas County, Ohio222 Age: 71
BurialMosser Cemetery, Lebold’s Hill, Lawrence Township, Tuscarawas County, Ohio1371,661, v. 4, p. 64.
OccupationTavern keeper, Blacksmith1302, p. 6.
MilitaryRevolutionary War, York County Militia1409
FatherMichael MOSSER (1717-<1790)
MotherMaria Eva ELSASSER (1717-1807)
Spouses
Death1806, Washington County, Pennsylvania1302, p. 24.
Marriage17721302, p. 6.
ChildrenEve (1774-1843)
 Elizabeth (1776-1847)
 Mary Ann (1782-?1850)
Notes for Abraham MOSSER

DAR Patriot Index:372, v. 2, p. 2114. Musser, Abraham, b. 7-2-1748, d. 1- -1822 OH, m. 1) Barbara Sheely, 2) Mary —— Pvt. PA. Based on age at death as indicated in published death mention,222 his date of birth is estimated to be closer to 1751.

Biographical Sketch (1884):119, p. 566. "Abraham Mosser, his son-in-law John Taylor, and Jacob Good next came out, about 1807, from Washington County, Pennsylvania, and settled on the Mosser tract. Abraham Mosser built his cabin nearly a mile east of Bolivar and close to the present residence of John Lebold. He died in 1822. Close by lived Jacob Good, who kept the first tavern in the northern part of Tuscarawas County. John Taylor settled on the hill about a half-mile distant."

Biographical Sketch (1994):119, p. 565. "The eastern half of [Lawrence] township consists of two 4,000-acre quarters. The first, or northeast, quarter was located by Abraham Mosser, of Washington County, Pennsylvania, and Thomas Bonde of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, May 23, 1800. In November 1805, it was almost equally partitioned between them, Bonde receiving the southwest portion. Abraham Mosser settled on his portion, and gradually disposed of the land to incoming settlers. Bonde never resided here; he sold the land by parcels, Joseph M. Bimeler receiving the greater portion in trust of the Separatists, 1,275 acres, June 29, 1832, for $4,000."

Biographical Sketch (1932):1372, p. 165-171. "Abraham Musser, born about 1747, died 1822, was a resident of Windsor Township of York County where he purchased 140 acres of land from a Jacob Dritt, June 7, 1779. He is referred to as a 'tavern keep of Windsor Township' in the record of this transfer.1372, p. 165. As his authority, Farley cites York County deeds, 2A-227. He likely resided there for some years prior to this time, but he lived previously in Maryland.

Abraham's home was near Camp Security, where captured British soldiers were kept under guard of soldiers of the Revolutionary army. The American soldiers probably frequented his tavern when not on duty. Many of them granted him power of attorney1372, p. 165. As his authority, Farley cites Pennsylvania Archives, Series 6, vol. II, p. 736, 749, 761, 764, 782, 784, 785, 786, 792, 797.,1551, (Abraham Mosser, p. 749, 764, 784, 785, 786, 787, 791, 792) to collect pay due them for service, after they had been sent on to another post or had been discharged from duty and sent to their home.

Abraham's tavern in Windsor Township was likely not far from the home of his brother Samuel in Hopewell Township.1372, p. 165. Farley indicates the deed of record in which Abraham disposed of his lands in York County states that 'this land adjoined the lands of Samuel Mosser,' 2Q-167. Their names are associated in records dated in that township.1372, p. 165. As his authority, Farley cites Pennsylvania Archives, Series 6, vol. II, p. 787. The names of both Samuel and Abraham appear on the records of the Blimyer’s United Lutheran and Reformed Church in Hopewell Township.1372, p. 165. Farley indicates there is some reason to believe that the Blimyer Church Abraham as the son of Michael Jr. Abraham transferred considerable land in York County, some of which lay in Hopewell Township.1372, p. 165. As his authority, Farley cites York County deeds, 2O-167.

Abraham's first wife was Barbara. A census taken with York County tax returns in 1783 credits Abraham of Windsor with 'five inhabitants.'1545 In Windsor upon the same date were living John, Daniel and Jacob.1372, p. 166. As his authority, Farley cites Pennsylvania Archives, Series 5, vol. XXI, p. 698. They also moved to Columbiana County, Ohio, or to Beaver County, Pennsylvania, shortly after 1800. In the U.S. census of 1790, Abraham is credited with a family of 'four females, one other person, and one slave,' besides himself. The last item substantiates the tradition of Ohio members1372, p. 166. As his authority, Farley cites W. W. Kline, Bolivar, Ohio, and Mrs. Kate Brown, Ravenna, Ohio. of the family that the Mussers brought slaves with them when they came to Ohio. In 1800 the U.S. census credits Abraham with 'one male between 25 and 45,' and 'one females between 16 and 26,' in addition to his wife. There is no record that Abraham had a son, unless this be taken as such a record. This 'male between 26 and 45' may have been a man in his employ. The census of 1800 does not seem to distinguish between blood members of a family and others making their homes with the family. The name of Jacob Good, Abraham's son-in-law, is recorded immediately following Abraham's name in the U.S. census of 1800. It is likely that Jacob and his wife helped Abraham and Barbara in the operation of their tavern.

Abraham and Barbara recorded their last York County land transfer1372, p. 166. As his authority, Farley cites York County deeds, 2P-330. June 29, 1801, when they sold land in Chanseford Township. This sale followed others, indicating that he was preparing to leave the county.

Abraham and Barbara purchased city property in Washington, Washington County, Pennsylvania, March 9, 1803.1372, p. 167. As his authority, Farley cites Washington County deeds, I-U-263. Here he likely kept tavern for a number of years, moving to the western county so that he might be nearer to his Tuscarawas lands. With Thomas Bonde of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, a captain in the Revolution, he purchased 4,000 acres of land in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, Feb. 24, 1791.1372, p. 167. As his authority, Army Land Register, p. 207-208, Dept. of the Interior, Washington D. C. Warrants #200 and #2,580; see also Mansfield, J. B., History of Tuscarawas County, Ohio, Warner, Beers, and Co., Chicago, 1884, p. 324.

August 4, 1806, Abraham sold his property in the town of Washington, Pennsylvania, and shortly thereafter1372, p. 168. As his authority, Farley cites Mansfield, J. B., History of Tuscarawas County, Ohio, Warner, Beers, and Co., Chicago, 1884, chapter IX. moved to Lawrence Township, Tuscarawas County, to take personal charge of the land he had purchased, and upon which his nephew Samuel Musser Jr. has lived since 1805.1372, p. 68. As his authority, Farley cites Mansfield, J. B., History of Tuscarawas County, Ohio, Warner, Beers, and Co., Chicago, 1884, chapter IX. Here he engaged in many land transactions and became a prominent member of his community.

The northwest quarter (of Lawrence Township) was located by Abraham Mosser of Washington County, Pennsylvania, and Thomas Bond of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, May 23, 1800. In November 1805, it was almost equally partitioned between them, Bond receiving the southwest portion. Abraham Mosser settled on his portion, and gradually disposed of the land to incoming settlers. Bond never resided here; he sold the land by parcels, Joseph M. Bimeler receiving the greater portion in trust for the Separatists, 1,275 acres, June 29, 1832, for $4,000.1372, p. 168. As his authority, Farley cites Tuscarawas County deeds I-235 and Old I-148, and I-83 transcribed from Muskingum County, Ohio, records, Nov. 13, 1803, Book A-168.

In the deed books of Pennsylvania occur records of Abraham which identify him positively as the Abraham of Windsor Township of York County, Pennsylvania.1372, p. 168. As his authority, Farley cites Book B-205, Feb. 19, 1801, Tuscarawas County, ‘John Lafleche of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, to Abraham Mosser, Windsor Township in the County of York.’

An important project of Abraham's vigorous sales campaign was the founding of the town of Lawrenceville, named after Fort Lawrence or Laurens, which was on the land he purchased, and the site of which, near Bolivar, Ohio, has recently been marked, and beautified into a small park which was purchased by the State of Ohio in 1915.

"Lawrenceville was the name of one of the earliest backwoods towns. It was laid out on the east side of the Tuscarawas, opposite present Bolivar, by Abraham Mosser in 1805, when the people in the vicinity were obliged to go to Zanesville to pay their taxes. It was not then known how this vast country would be divided into counties,1372, p. 169. Farley indicates Abraham purchased 100 acres from a John Andrews, Feb. 24, 107, when both styled themselves 'of the County of Muskingum' Tuscarawas records, Old I-149, evidently transcribed from Zanesville B-205. and Lawrenceville indulged in the fond hope of becoming a county seat. The plat was spacious, including 176 lots, from which donations were made for the courthouse and jail, market-houses and English and German Presbyterian, German Lutheran, Protestant Episcopal and Moravian Churches. The location was a beautiful one, and at that time there was a brisk trade on the river in canoes and small boats. The settlers speculated in a small way, by buying town lots, but the village never prospered. It contained at most four or five houses. A grocery was kept just north of the plot, and one of the few residents of the village was a shoemaker, Mr. Mock. Some of the earliest settlers were buried in Lebold's Hill1372, p. 169. in the vicinity, but the site of their graves is now obliterated. The plat of Lawrenceville has been vacated for many years, and the site is now under cultivation."119, p. 567.

Abraham Mosser1372, p. 170. Farley indicates Abraham was called Mosher by some. See J. B. Mansfield, History of Tuscarawas County, Ohio, p. 342. was Justice of the Peace in Lawrence Township in 1810, and again in 1819.

Abraham's wife Barbara must have died about the time Abraham moved from Washington, Pennsylvania to Tuscarawas. A grantor deed by Abraham, May 8, 1808, in Tuscarawas does not have a wife's signature.1372, p. 170. As his authority, Farley cites Tuscarawas deeds, I-130. It is not until 18121372, p. 170. As his authority, Farley cites Tuscarawas deeds, II-223. that his grantor deeds were signed by 'Mary Mosser' as his wife. In 18161372, p. 170. As his authority, Farley cites Tuscarawas deeds, II-618. Mary granted power of attorney to Abraham for her dower in Crawford County, Pennsylvania, 'containing 200 acres of donation land in the sixth district, no. 1219.' This lot was given to Edward Quigley for Revolutionary services.1372, p. 170. As his authority, Farley cites Reeder, Frank, Lieutenant's Accounts, Pennsylvania Archives, Series 3, vol. VII, p. 746. It is likely that Abraham married Edward Quigley's widow. In the U. S. census of 1790 a Mary Quigley, evidently a widow, with children, was living in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.

Abraham Musser's cabin was nearly a mile east of Bolivar, and 'close to the present residence of John Lebold.'1372, p. 170. As his authority, Farley cites Mansfield, J. B, The History of Tuscarawas County, Ohio, chapter IX.

Abraham wrote his will Jan. 14, 1822, and it was probated the same year.1372, p. 171. As his authority, Farley cites Mitchener, G. H., Historic Events in the Tuscarawas and Muskingum Valleys, 1876, p. 321, and also Tuscarawas wills. In it he devised his property to his wife Mary, his daughter, Elizabeth Harnish, his granddaughter Mary Good, 'now Mary Stout,' his granddaughter Susanna Blosser, and his three sons-in-law, John Taylor, Christian Harnish, and Jacob Good."

Biographical Sketch (1973):799 "Under the Act of Congress of June 1796, certain lands in Eastern Ohio were appropriated as rewards for military services in units of 4,000 acres, or a quarter of a township, each. Veterans with warrants entitling them to less than 4,000 acres had to obtain warrants from other veterans in order to obtain the necessary amount for a tract of land. One Abraham Mosser, who, according to Beers' History of Tuscarawas County, Ohio, was originally from Maryland but had settled in Pennsylvania (Washington Co.), together with a Thomas Boude of Lancaster, Pa., obtained such a grant. The deed was dated May 23, 1800, the lands consisting of the entire northeast quarter of present-day Lawrence Township, Tuscarawas County.

Abraham Mosser and his brother [sic (nephew)] Samuel rode out on horseback to inspect the land in 1803. The land was partitioned between Mosser and Boude (who never settled his part) in 1805, Boude's part being subsequently sold to the religious commune called 'Zoar.' At that date no one was sure how the Ohio counties would eventually be laid out. Mosser platted the town of 'Lawrenceville' on his part in hopes that it would become a county seat. This dream never materialized and the Beers Co. writes, ' the village never prospered . . . it contained at most four or five houses . . . some of the settlers were buried on Lebold's Hill (there) but the site of their graves is now obliterated . . . (and) is under cultivation.'

We have obtained some information about the descendant's of Samuel and Abraham from their wills. Samuel is said to have had an accident of some sort while constructing a log cabin, which was responsible for his death. His will dated January 14, 1811 mentions a wife, Catrena, and stipulates 'all my sons shall be put to learn trades as soon as they (become) age fourteen . . . (and) . . . Timothy Lamberson, child, shall be raised by my wife Catrena till it (becomes) age fourteen, if not sooner taken away by his father.' His estate included 100 acres originally patented by a John Gaylord and a lot in Lawrenceville which he bought from Timothy Lamberson for $30. Samuel's children, mentioned in Beer's were Elizabeth (married John Kline); Joseph (in Quincy, Illinois in 1884); Jacob; Samuel; Catherine (who married a Himes); John; Michael; and Abraham.

Abraham's will was dated January 14, 1822. It mentions a wife Mary, three daughters, Mary Taylor, Elizabeth Hormish, and Eve Good, three sons-in-law, John Taylor, Christly Hormish, and Jacob Good, and two grand-daughters, Mary Good Stout and Susanna Blosser. The Abraham Mosser homestead was subsequently purchased by John Mackin, who had refused his appointment as executor of the estate."

Biographical Sketch (1974):1887 "Abraham (1747?-1822) kept a tavern near Camp Security where captured British soldiers were guarded during the Revolution. He owned one slave in 1790, according to the census records. In 1803 be bought a lot in Washington, Pennsylvania, where he may have also kept tavern. In 1806 he sold the lot and relocated in Tuscarawas County where he acquired half interest in 4000 acres, apparently using warrants he acquired from war veterans, in payment of tavern charges. He laid out a town called "Lawrenceville’ which did not develop as planned. He and his wife, Barbara, had three daughters: Eve, who married Jacob Good; Mary, who married John Taylor; and Elizabeth, who married Christly Hormish."

Biographical Sketch (1997):1302, p. 6. "Mosser / Musser / Moser / Moser / Good Family. Abraham Musser / Mosser / Moser was born July 2, 1749 on the ocean on the ship Lydia coming over from Alsace and died in Jan. 1822 in Tuscarawas County, Ohio. Abraham was my gr-gr-gr grandfather. According to her records, he was in the army in 1775. In 1772, Abraham married Barbara Sheely or Schualy who lived in York Co., Pennsylvania. In the 1790 census for Pennsylvania, p. 280, Windsor Township, York Co., is the following: Abraham Mosser; 1 white male, 16 and upwards; 4 females; 1 free white; 1 slave. So, from this evidence, Abraham’s daughters were born after 1772, probably 1774, 1776, 1778. His will in Tuscarawas County does not mention any sons, just his three daughters. His daughters were Eve, who married Jacob Good; Mary Musser who married John Taylor; and Elizabeth, who married Christly Hormish. Note: According to information from Charles Recker of The People of the Marsh, Abraham Mosser or Musser not only ran a tavern, but was also a blacksmith."

1748 Blimyer’s Church, York County:1374, p. 720. "St. John’s Lutheran and Reformed Church. This church is located south of Dallastown, and is familiarly known as ‘Blimyer’s Church.’ Among the original German settlers of this locality, an organization was effected as early as 1748 (?) and a small log-house for church and school was built. The pastor served also as teacher. It was then the only church for a large extent of territory, in which there are now more than a dozen churches of different denominations. Tradition says some of the members who worshipped here a century ago, came a distance of twelve miles. The religious exercises, for more than a hundred years, were purely German, and many of their pastors were Germans."

1751 Birth:222 Birth year estimated from death mention, which indicates Abraham was 71 years of age when he died on 16 January 1822.

1779 Tax List, Windsor Township, York County, Pennsylvania:1546, (Abraham Mosser, p. 39) Abraham Moser listed as owner of 140 acres, no negroes, one horse, and 2 cattle, who was levied a tax of 20.7.7.

1780 Tax List, Windsor Township, York County, Pennsylvania:1547, (Abraham Mosser, p. 230) Abraham Moser listed as owner of 150 acres, no negroes, 2 horses, and 2 cattle, who was levied a tax of 28.2.11.

1781 Military Service:1409 Abraham Mosser enrolled as Private, 5th Class, Captain Peter Imsweiler’s 5th Company, 1st Battalion, York County Militia, according to the evidence of a class roll dated August 31, 1781. Residence ascribed: Windsor Township.

1781 Tax List, Windsor Township, York County, Pennsylvania:1548, (Abraham Mosser, p. 360) Abraham Mosser listed as the owner of 142 acres, no negroes, 2 horses, and 3 cattle, who was levied a tax of 2.3.0.

1782 Tax List, Windsor Township, York County, Pennsylvania:1549, (Abraham Mosser, p. 622) Abraham Mosser listed as the owner of 142 acres, no negroes, 3 horses, and 3 cattle, who was levied a tax of 4.9.4.

1783 Tax List, Windsor Township, York County, Pennsylvania:1374, p. 725.,1545, (Abraham Mosser, p. 698),1452, v. 1, p. 1101. Abraham Mosser on a list of taxables for 1783 in Windsor Township, York County, Pennsylvania, as an owner of 142 acres with five family members. A tax of £186 was levied.

1784 Military Service:1551, (Abraham Mosser, p. 736) "Power of Attorney dated May 3rd 1784 of Thomas Burke private in Captain Ephraim Pennington’s Company of the Guards at Camp Security in the County of York for two months pay authorizing Abraham Mosser to collect what is due him. Sworn before Wm. Scott, 3rd May 1784."

1786 Military Service:1551, (Abraham Mosser, p. 749, 764, 784, 785, 786, 787, 791, 792) During 1786, Abraham Mosser received the power of attorney and two months pay for several men, similar to this one from Henry Fisher. "Know all men by these presents that I, Henry Fisher of York Township in the county of York and State of Pennsylvania, for divers good causes me hereunto moving, have made, ordained, constituted and appointed and by these presents do make ordain constitute and appoint Abraham Mosser of the saime [!] place Yeoman my true and lawful attorney for me in my name and to my use to ask demand sue for recover or received of and from the Pay Master of the York County Militia my two months pay for my service as a private in Captain Pennington Company of the Guards at Camp Security in the County of York . . ."

1786 Military Service:1551, (Abraham Mosser, p. 761, 782) During 1786, Abraham Mosser was named in receipts as paying the full sum for two months duty, often for service in years prior to 1786. [Note: The powers of attorney and payroll functions in 1786 appear to have been carried out with the sanction of York County Militia Officers. This may indicate some sort of a paymaster or other financial role for Abraham.]

1788 Land Purchase:1543, p. 137. On 19 April 1788 Abraham Moser purchased 383.158 acres located in Windsor Township, originally warranted in January 1767 to Christian Landis, from Henry Strickler and Samuel Landis.

1790 U.S. Census:97, p. 280.,1935
Pennsylvania, York County, Windsor Township
Head of Household •• Abraham Mossir
Males 16 and over •• 1 << Abraham
Females •• 4 << wife Barbara, daughters Eve, Mary Ann, Elizabeth
Other Free Persons •• 1 << perhaps son-in-law Jacob Good, husband of Eve ??
Slaves •• 1

1794 Military Service:1590, p. 6. On 17 February 1794, Abraham Mosser empowered to receive the pay of John Hindle, a soldier in Capt. John Smith’s company.

1795 Military Service:1590, p. 15-16. On 29 August 1795, Samuel Moser Jr. of Washington County, Pennsylvania acknowledged a letter of attorney to empower Abraham Mosser of York County to receive in his name a warrant or patent for such lands that Samuel is entitled to for his service "as a private soldier in the late American War."

1795 Military Service:1590, p. 16. On 29 August 1795, Christian Bobst empowered Abraham Moser to receive a warrant or patent for lands to which Christian was entitled due to his service in the "late American War."

1800 Land Patent:1030, Ohio. John Adams, President of the United States, issued patent to Abraham Mosser and Thomas Boude for 4,000 acres, Range 2W of the U.S. Military Survey, Township 10N, Section 1. on 23 May 1800. Located in present day Tuscarawas County, Ohio. [Note: Recorded in Deed Record 2, p. 259, Tuscarawas County Recorder’s Office. Request to NARA for Land Entry Case File received this reply,2098 dated 20 April 2001, "As for the land entry to Abraham Mosser, not all scrip entries issued under the United Brethren Act appear to have been preserved, which appears to be the case here."]

1800 Land Patent:119, p. 324. "The eastern half of the township consists of two 4,000-acre quarters. The first, or northeast, quarter was located by Abraham Mosser, of Washington County, Penn., and Thomas Bonde, of Lancaster, Penn., May 23, 1800. In November, 1805, it was almost equally partitioned between them, Bonde receiving the southwest portion. Abraham Mosser settled on his portion, and gradually disposed of the land to in-coming settlers. Bonde never resided here; he sold the land by parcels, Joseph M. Bimeler receiving the greater portion in trust for the Separatists, 1,275 acres, June 29, 1832, for $4,000."

1800 Land Patent:2175, p. 4. "The first quarter township, Township 10, Range 2, of this township was entered by General Thomas Boude and Abraham Mosser, in 1800. Some of the purchasers from them were John and Christian Keller, five hundred and thirty-three acres; J. M. Bimeler, twelve hundred and seventy-five acres; and Samuel Moser, Jacob Good, Mary Taylor, Henry Hydegrass, William Christmas, John Shorb, and John Machan."

1800 U.S. Census:
1475
York County, Pennsylvania (Windsor Township)
Head of Family •• Abraham Mosser
Male 26-45 •• 1 << Perhaps a nephew?
Male over 45 •• 1 << Abraham
Females 16-26 •• 1 << Mary Ann
Females over 45 •• 1 << wife Barbara
Other persons •• 1 << (Not a slave)
Household of Jacob Good and wife Eve1476 is adjacent.

1805 Founding of Lawrenceville, Muskingum County, Ohio:119, p. 567. "Lawrenceville was the name of one of the earliest backwoods towns. It was laid out on the east side of the Tuscarawas, opposite present Bolivar, by Abraham Mosser in 1805, when the people in the vicinity were obliged to go to Zanesville to pay their taxes. It was not then known how this vast country would be divided into counties and Lawrenceville indulged in the fond hope of becoming a county seat. The plat was spacious, including 176 lots, from which donations were made for court houses and jail, market-houses and English and German Presbyterian, German Lutheran, protestant Episcopal and Moravian Churches. The location was a beautiful one, and at that time there was a brisk trade on the river in canoes and small boats. The settlers speculated in a small way, by buying town lots, but the village never prospered. It contained at most four or five lots."

1805 Founding of Lawrenceville, Muskingum County, Ohio:2174, section on Lawrence Township. "Abraham Mosser's plat of Lawrenceville, Muskingum County (Tuscarawas County had not yet been formed), Ohio, was laid out in 1805 and consisted of 176 lots. Each lot contained 80 feet in width and 240 feet in depth, except the 12 lots facing the public square and market houses, which 12 lots had 200 feet in depth. Land was set aside for a court house and jail and for the German Presbyterian, English Presbyterian, German Lutheran, Church of England Society, United Brethren, otherwise called Moravian, congregations. Lawrenceville was located where the Wilkshire Hills Golf Course is today."

1806 Taxes, Muskingum County, Ohio:920 3 December 1806, to John Hanna, 1,100 acres of Abraham Mosser for $4.44 1/2 the amount of taxes due on 1,112 acres in 1806, to be taken out of the corner in a square as near as the tract would allow, of R. 2, T. 10, Sec. 1. Sold by James Herron, collector of taxes, 4th district. 16 December 1806, John Hanna assigned his right, title, and interest to the same above certificate to Frederick Yerian. 21 March 1811, Frederick Yerian assigned his right, title, and interest back to John Hanna. 21 November 1812, to Abraham Mosser from John Hanna the right, title, and interest of the claim to the certificate for $25.00. [Note: Recorded in Deed Record 2, p. 260, Tuscarawas County Recorder’s Office.]

1807 Tavern Keeper License, Muskingum County, Ohio:1188, p. 94. Abram Mosser one of thirty-seven signatories to a petition for the license of tavern keepers, store keepers, and ferries, submitted to the Associate Judges of the Court of Common Pleas for the county of Muskingum, Ohio. Robert Taylor and James Taylor were also signatories. Jacob Good was one of the persons recommend to "keep public houses of entertainment."

1808 Formation of Tuscarawas County, Ohio:2175, p. ii. "First Official Records. The oath of office having been administered by Abraham Mosser, Esq., to John Junkins, Michael Ulrich, and Phillips Minnich, first Tuscarawas County Commissioners, they held their first meeting on April 16, 1808. Godfrey Haga, Jr., was duly chosen as their clerk, and the County laid off and divided into four different townships, by the names of Oxford, Salem, Goshen, and Lawrence."

1808 Land Patent:1029 Thomas Jefferson, President of the United States, issued patent to Abraham Mosser, assignee of John Harris, for 100 acres, Range 2W of the U.S. Military Survey, Township 10N, Section 2. on 6 July 1808. Located in present day Tuscarawas County, Ohio.

1808 Justice of the Peace Weddings:2175, p. iii. "The first marriage recorded was that of Conrad Reghart and Elizabeth Good, on the 17th of July, 1808. The rites were celebrated by Abraham Mosser, Justice of the Peace of Lawrence Township. Two others occurred during the same year — William Carr to Catharine Good, November 21, 1808, and Isaac Pattees to Catharine Raiser, on November 13, 1808."

1808 Slander Court Case:
119, p. 374. "At the first term of Court of Common Pleas held in Tuscarawas County, in December 1808, one civil and four criminal cases were docketed. Of the latter, two were for counterfeiting and two for assault and battery. All were nollied. The civil case was that of Abraham Mosser vs. Stockton Bridge. It was an action to recover $500 damages, alleged to have been sustained by plaintiff in consequence of certain ‘false, feigned, slanderous, and opprobrious words’ uttered by the defendant against the good name and character of the plaintiff. At the December term of court, 1808, the case was continued. Judgment was taken by default at the April term, 1809, but in August the records show that a motion was made to set aside the judgment, which was overruled and a jury impaneled to assess the damages. They found no damages and the case was appealed to the Supreme Court by the plaintiff, there tried by jury at a session held at New Philadelphia, and a verdict rendered the plaintiff for $20 and costs."

1809 Justice of the Peace Wedding:917 Abraham Mosser, Justice of the Peace, officiated at the January 22 marriage of John Snelbaker and Elizabeth Kline.

1809 Tax List, Lawrence Township, Tuscarawas County, Ohio:1692, p. 49. Samuel Mosser and Abraham Mosser appear on the first tax list for Tuscarawas County, Ohio.

1809 Notice in the Scioto Gazette and Chillicothe Advertiser, v. VIII, Monday, 12 June 1809, no. 443:1204, p. 290. "Henry Carberry gives notice to Thomas Boude and Abraham Mosser that he will apply to the court for a partition of their land in the Military Tract."

1809 Tax List:919 Abraham Mosser taxed for 173 lots in Lawrenceville Township in 1809. "Persons upon whom taxes were assessed in 1809. Chattel consisted of horses and cattle. Horses were appraised at $30 and cattle at $10, and were taxed a 1%, while real estate were taxed on 1/2%." [Note: Timothy Lamberson and Jacob Good also listed as taxpayers in Lawrenceville Township. Peter Good owned chattel in Oxford Township.]

1810 Tax List, Lawrence Township, Tuscarawas County, Ohio:916,42, p. 383. Abraham Mosser (12 entries), Mosser & Boude, and Samuel Mosser (2 entries) are listed in tax list for 1810.

1810 Justice of the Peace:119, p. 565. Abraham Mosser served as local magistrate of Lawrence Township.

1811 Samuel Mosser Estate:1624 In April 1811, the will of Samuel Mosser was probated in Tuscarawas County, Ohio and letters issued of administration to Abraham Mosser and Catherine Moser.

1811 Land Transaction:921 4 November 1811, to John and Christian Keller from General Thomas Boude of Columbia County, Pennsylvania, witness; whereas the President of the United States did by his Patent, agreeable to the laws of the United States, grant and convey to Gen. Thomas Boude of Columbia, Pennsylvania, the grantor of 4,000 acres in Sec. 1, Twp. 10, and R. 2 of Military land now lying in the county of Tuscarawas and State of Ohio, and whereas there has since been laid off from said tract to different persons who held warrants several pieces to wit, one tract of land to Abraham Mosser on the N. side running from E. to W., one other tract containing 275 acres of land to Carbery off the S. E. corner, one other tract containing 150 acres being in the N. E. corner of said Boude’s land adjoining Mosser’s land and running to Carbery’s land agreeable to the record of the county of Tuscarawas reference thereto being had, will correctly and at large appear and whereas by virtue of Military Warrants the deceased Father of John and Christian Keller was entitled to 800 acres of land to be taken out of the tract aforesaid, and the said John and Christian Keller, two of his sons are now entitled to two thirds of the 800 acres. Now this Indenture witnesseth that for the consideration of the sum of $1.00 to the said Thomas Boude in hand, the receipt whereof he does hereby acknowledge, and himself satisfied therewith, he does grant, bargain, and sell and by these presents he has granted, bargained, and sold in fee simple to John Keller and Christian Keller two thirds of the aforesaid 800 acres being 533 and 2/3 acres to hold the same as tenants in common. By Atty. S. W. Culbertson for Gen. Thomas Boude. Recorded in Deed Record 2, p. 298, Tuscarawas County Recorder’s Office.

1811 Tax List, Lawrence Township, Tuscarawas, Ohio:42, p. 387. Abraham Mosser (6 entries) appears on 1811 tax list.

1813 Witness to Land Sale:922 20 August, Abraham Mosser and John Kline witnessed the sale of land by Israel Graham to Richard Carter. Recorded in Deed Record 2, p. 328, Tuscarawas County Recorder’s Office.

1815 Founding of Laurensville, Tuscarawas County:2175, p. 4. "South of Bolivar, on line of the canal, is the site of Fort Laurens, of which special mention has been made. Across the river from the fort, Abraham Mosser laid out a town in 1815 and called it Laurensville; it died untimely."

1815 Neighbors:1232, p. 501. "The neighbors of John Mack at the time of his early settlement here were his brother George, who located in 1815; John Engel, his brother-in-law; John Streby, Mr. Himes, William Hill, Abraham Mosser and John and William Fashbaugh."

1816 Tax List, Tuscarawas County, Ohio:1980, p. 9.,42, p. 389. Abraham Mosser appears on 1816 tax list as owning five parcels of land totaling 829 acres, all with moderate improvements, located in Tuscarawas County and in the Zanesville Land Office District. Of these, 500 acres were purchased from others and 329 were from the original Mosser and Boude purchase by warrant. The total tax due was $28.25. Mary Taylor,1980, p. 12. 200 acres, and Jacob Good,1980, p. 5. 250 acres, are also listed as landowners in 1816, of land that was originally owned by Boude and Mosser.

1817 Found of Lawrenceville Township, Tuscarawas County:119, p. 564. "Lawrence was one of the four original townships established in 1808. It then embraced all the land which now forms Wayne, Franklin, Lawrence (except the small tract since annexed from Stark County) and Sandy Townships, in addition to as much of Dover, Fairfield, and Warren as lies in the northern half of Range 9. The first election was held at the cabin of Gideon Jennings, in what is now Fairfield Township. The organization of succeeding townships reduced its territory and it appears from the records that the balance of the original township of Lawrence, after other townships were organized, was converted to Lawrenceville. The incorporation of Lawrenceville Township was recorded May 13, 1817."

1819 Justice of the Peace:119, p. 565. Abraham Mosser served as local magistrate of Lawrence Township.

1820 U.S. Census:1481
Ohio, Tuscarawas County, Lawrence Township
Head of Family •• Abraham Mosser
Males over 45 •• 1 << Abraham, age 72
Females over 45 •• 1 << Mary
Household of John Taylor1482 located nearby.

1822 Will:1627 Abraham Mosser's will, written 14 January 1822, bequeaths "Mary, my dear beloved wife the sum of Ten dollars lawful money of the state of Ohio, to be raised out of my Estate I also give and bequeath to my beloved Daughter Mary Taylor the sum of fifty five dollars for her attention to me on my death bed, to enjoy fully and clearly out of my estate, I also give and bequeath to my beloved Daughter Elizabeth Hornish a sum of twenty dollars to enjoy fully and clearly out of my estate, I also give and bequeath to my beloved Daughter Eve Good the sum of twenty Dollars to enjoy fully and clearly out of my estate . . . I also give and bequeath to my grandchild Mary Good now Mary Stout two Lots of ground in Lawrenceville adjoining them already sold on Market Street likewise I also bequeath unto my grand child Susanna Blosser two lots of ground in the town of Lawrenceville on Market Street of them not already sold . . . the remainder of the money to be equally divided between my three sons in laws, John Taylor, Christly Hornish and Jacob Good, each receiving an equal share. I also appoint and ordain John Machan and John Taylor Executors of this my last will."

1822 Death Mention:222 "Died, at Laurens-ville, Tuscarawas Co. on the 16th inst. Abraham Mosser, Esq. aged 71 years."

1822 Death Mention:1373, p. 321. "Died in 1822, Abraham Mosser, Samuel Slutts, Peter Walter, all belonging to the pioneers."

1822 Abraham Mosser Estate:1626 On 25 January, 1822, letters of administration issued to John Taylor; in April 1822, letters testamentary revoked and letter of administration issued to Henry Laffer; inventory filed August 1822; the final account files November 1828; and the account was approved in May 1832.

1822 Burial Site:1372, p. 169. "A letter from C. J. Lebold, cashier of Bolivar State Bank, Bolivar, Ohio, Sept. 16, 1930, says, 'John Lebold was my grandfather, and purchased his home farm about 1830. My father's name is Samuel, and owned 200 acres directly east of the present Bolivar. The first cemetery your history mentions was located on my father's farm, right on the peak of the hill. As a small boy bringing the cows home from the pasture I would often count the sunken graves, and remember more than 30 years ago that occasionally in the spring another grave would sink. No doubt Abraham Mosser was buried in this cemetery’."

1822 Burial Site:661, v. 4, p. 64. "Mo(u)sser Cemetery. Located in Lawrence township, Tuscarawas County, Ohio. No stones in memory of living citizens; Lebold tradition is that pioneers were buried, spot was never plowed while in possession of Lebold family.

1822 Guardianship of Nephew:918 Henry Laffer appointed guardian for Michael Mosser, November term 1822. Michael was son of Samuel Mosser, Jr., who died in 1811.

1823 Guardianship of Nephew:918 Henry Laffer appointed guardian for Abraham Mosser, August term 1823. Abraham was son of Samuel Mosser, Jr., who died in 1811.
Last Modified 4 Jul 2009Created 5 Aug 2014 using Reunion for Macintosh