James Musser - I15227 - Individual Information - Wisconsin and Illinois Genealogy

James Musser (I15227)

Surname: Musser
Given Names: James

Gender: Male

Birth: 17 January 1843 -- Gregg, Centre, PA
Death: 23 November 1903 -- Orangeville, Spephenson, Illinois

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James Musser, Supervisor of Oneco township, and also carrying on general merchandising in Orangeville, has for a number of years served as an important factor in the business and social interests of that locality, where his genial qualities as a man, and his worth as a citizen have commended him to universal favor.

Mr. Musser was born at Penn Hall, Centre Pa., Jan. 17, 1843. His father, Jonas, and his grandfather, Michael Musser, were natives of the same State, where they spent their entire lives. ]ohn Musser after his marriage, purchased a farm near Penn Halll, and in connection with it condlucted a hotel on the Lewisburg Turnpike, where he resided until his death in 1855.

The mother of our subject was formerly Miss Maria Durst, also a native of the Keystone State, and by her marriage with Jonas Musser became the mother of nine children. The youngest of these was eight years old when the father died. That same year, the widow with some of their children, came to this county, which remained the home of the mother during the rest of her life, she in her later years residing with her children.

James Musser was a lad of eleven years when his father was called hence. For two years afterward he lived with his oldest brother on the homestead in Pennsylvania, and in 1857 found his way to Stephenson County, this State, being then thirteen years of age. He went out to work by the day, and in the winter season attended school, working mornings and evenings for his board. In 1860, when sixteen years old, he repaired to Beloit, where he attended the academy, remaining until the outbreak of the late Civil War. Although but a youth, he proffered his services in defense of the Union, becoming a member of Co. A, 46th 111. Vol. Inf., and after serving his first term of enlistment, veteranized in December, 1863, and served until the close of the war. After retiring from the army, Mr. Musser in September following established himself in the mercantile business at Orangeville, in company with his brother Benjamin. They operated, together ten years, when James purchased his brother’s interest, and has since carried on the business alone.

Our subject after reaching his twenty-seventh year, was captured by the charming qualities of Miss, Kate Zimmerman, and they were united in marriage in Rock Grove Township in June, 1870. The tie thus established was in due time cemented by the birth of five children, who were named respectively, Herbert A.., Mabel E., Royston D., Marc J. and Clive Newcomb. They occupy a comfortable dwelling on Main street, and enjoy the society and friendship of the best people in Orangeville. Mr. Musser, by his genial and courteous, manner and straightforward business methods, has built up a good patronage, and is a general favorite among his townsmen. He has one of the largest and best-arranged general stores in the Northwest, and carries a well-selected stock of goods, doing an annual business of some $65,000. He is a prominent figure in Masonic circles, belonging to

Orangeville Lodge No. 687, A. F. &.A. M., Freeport Chapter No. 87, R. A. M., also Freeport commandery No. 7, and Freeport Consistory. together with J. R. Scroggs Lodge No. 37, I. 0. 0 F., and John Musser Post No. 365, G. A. R. which he has been Commander since its organation. He takes a lively interest in the welfare of the people of his community, and with uniform cheerfulness gives his time and attention whenever required, to those matters pertaining to its progress and well-being.
History of Stephenson County 1888 Portrait & Biographical Pg 382


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	Events of close relatives
Birth	17 January 1843 4138 Gregg, Centre, PA
Death of father	11 May 1853 (Age 10) Jonas Musser (I45128) (Age 51) - [Relationship Chart]
Marriage	7 June 1870 (Age 27) Catharine Elizabeth Zimmerman - ‎[View Family ‎(F5839)‎‎]
Death of mother	12 December 1880 (Age 37) Maria Durst (I45129) (Age 76) - [Relationship Chart]
Death	23 November 1903 (Age 60) Orangeville, Spephenson,Illinois
Ancestral File Number (AFN)	V5NL-CN
Universal Identifier	D351DD5EE696D511973400E02931A951C04E
Last Change	26 January 2007 - 10:13:12 Last changed by: dcoplien