E. W. Mosier
E. W. Moser, one of the proprietors of the Mosier Steam Laundry, at Lima, has sent the greater portion of his life in this city. He was born at Elida, German township, Allen County, Ohio, in 1859, and is a son of the late John Mosier, a county pioneer.
John Mosier was born in Summerset County, Ohio, and was reared on a tobacco farm there. He learned the trade of a shoemaker and before the Pennsylvania Railroad was constructed followed that occupation in Elida, but removed to Lima in 1870.
E. W. Mosier was 11 years of age when his parents came to Lima, and this city has been the scene of his business enterprises and his satisfactory successes. As a boy he was industrious, working first for Mr. Lloyd in his lumber-yard, and then at the hub and spoke factory, where he was employed for some time. He was also employed in a furniture shop for two years, for about three years in the King & Day handle factory, and for five years in a wheel factory. In this manner he became well trained in various manual capacities, and established such a reputation for efficiency that he was engaged to superintend the mill department in the coach shop of the Lake Erie & Western Railroad, where he remained for 13 years.
In 1895 an opportunity presented to enter into business for himself and, in partnership with Henry Blosser, he purchased the old Niagara laundry plant. A good business was conducted by the firm, and six years later Mr. Mosier purchased his partner's interest. He conducted the establishment alone for two years and then sold it. For a few months he traveled in California, but shortly after his returned to Lima purchased the American laundry plant, establishing the Mosier Steam Laundry. This enterprise he managed alone until 1904, when he admitted W. C. Bell to partnership. Business prospects are so bright that it is the intention of the firm to erect a substantial brick structure, in the near future, on the desirable plot of ground which they have already purchased, on North Central avenue, between High and North streets. The new building will have a 74-foot frontage, with a depth of 100 feet, and, in accordance with modern ideas, will be one story in height. The laundry will be equipped with all modern conveniences and machinery, and when completed will compare favorably with any similar building in the State.
In 1889 Mr. Mosier was married to Millie Freily, who is a daughter of John Freily, a prominent citizen of Ada, Ohio. They have one child, Ethel, a bright pupil at school.
Mr. Mosier is classed with the useful citizens of Lima, taking an interest in public matters and promoting laudable civic movements. He is a member of the Lima Board of Health. His fraternal connections are important and of long duration. He is a 32nd degree Mason, and connected with the Blue Lodge, Chapter, Council and Commandery at Lima, and the Consistory at Toledo. For over 25 years he has been affiliated with the Odd Fellows, belongs to all its branches and has been a representative at the Grand Lodge for two years. He is also identified with the Knights of Pythias. With his wife, he is a member of Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church.