Clay Co., KS AHGP-Portrait and Biographical Album of Washington, Clay and Riley Counties-William Moelling
Portrait and Biographical Album of Washington, Clay and Riley Counties Chapman Brothers, Chicago, 1890
WILLIAM MOELLING owns and occupies a first-class farm in Bloom Township, Clay County, which has been thoroughly improved by him, and where he carries on the business of a general farmer and stock feeder. His thrifty, energetic nature is carrying him forward to a high rank among the progressive agriculturists of that section. His estate comprises 120 fertile acres on section 20, which he purchased in 1878, at which time the family to which he belongs came to to this State from Missouri.
In the latter State the eyes of our subject first opened to the light on June 23. 1852, the event taking place in Kane Township, Gasconade County, and his parents being Adolph and Louisa Moelling (for whose history see sketch of August Moelling, which occupies another page of this BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM). He is the second son and third child in a family consisting of four sons and one daughter, all still living, married, and making their homes in this county and township. Mr. Moelling was reared by his parents in the place of his birth, receiving a good education in the school of that region, and with the rest of the family, who are now thrifty
farmers and land-owners, coming to this couuty as before stated.
In this township the rites of wedlock were celebrated between the gentleman of whom we write and Miss Johanna Eilers. The bride was born and reared in Oldenburg, Germany, her natal day being July 22, 1861, and she being a daughter of Jacob and Anna (Taddiken) Eilers. The father lived and died in that Duchy, departing this life in 1870 when about forty-five years old. He was a member of the Lutheran Church, as is his widow, who having come to America in 1885, now makes her home with her daughter, Mrs. Moelling. She is now fifty-nine years of age. and quite active and vigorous. Mrs. Moelling was educated in the excellent schools of her native land and about the year 1877 came to the United States. After spending two years in New York City, she came to Kansas which has since been her home. She has borne her husband two children, one dying in infancy. The survivor is Anna L., a bright miss of three years.
In his political views, Mr. Moelling agrees with the tenets of the Republican party, which finds in him a stanch adherent. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. He is highly respected by his fellow-citizens as a man of honor and uprightness, a reliable citizen, a kind and helpful neighbor, and one whose domestic life is above reproach; and Mrs. Moelling enjoys the esteem of the people wherever she is known.