Individual Details

David MUSSELMAN, now living retired at La Place, was for a number of years one of the leading farmers of this section, and is still a heavy landowner of Piatt County. he was born in Tippecanoe Co, Ind, January 15, 1846, a son o f George Washington and Esther (Waggoner) MUSSELMAN, natives of Shenandoah Co Va and the vicinity of Dayton, Ohio.

The parents were married in Ohio, but lived in Indiana until 1850 when they crossed the plains with teams to California, where the father died 9 months after their arrival. Mrs. MUSSELMAN lived in Indiana until 1867, when she moved to St. Clair Co Mo and there was married secondly to Aaron ULREY, a farmer.

While living in Indiana David MUSSELMAN attended a backwoods school where he was grounded in the rudiments of learning. he is the only survivor of four children born to his parents. When his mother moved to St. Clair Co Mo, he accompanied her, and resided there until 184, when he came to Piatt Co, and bought 80 acres in Cerro Gordo Township. This he operated for 14 years, and then sold this farm and bought 100 acres of land 4 1/2 miles s of Milmine, that was partly improved, and had a shanty standing upon it. There was also an orchard, and other improvements, but Mr. MUSSELMAN has erected all the present buildings, fenced the fields, put in tiling, and made the place thoroughly modern in all respect. Here he lived until Nov 10 1913, when he rented his farm, and retired to La Place. Here he owns his handsome residence and seven city lots, and he and his wife are enjoying a well earned leisure.

While living in St. Clair Co Mo, Mr. MUSSELMAN was married March 17 1870, to Susan CRIPE, born in Carroll Co Indiana, December 31, 1851, a daughter of Christian and Catherina [Replogle] CRIPE, born near Dayton, Ohio.

Mr and Mrs. MUSSELMAN became the parents of the following children:

Dora, who is Mrs. John L. SHIVELY of La Place Ill
Luther, who lives at Eagle Grove Ia
Ernest C, Eagle Grove Ia
Anne, Mrs. Samuel SHIVELY of Cerro Gordo Twp
Grace, m. George Benjamin ARNOLD, Cerro Gordo Twp
Chester W., on the family farm.

The church of Brethren holds Mr. Musselman's membership, and he has been one of its deacons for many years. A Democrat, was on school board, road commissioner.


"Pre obituary" from LaPlace paper, 24 Dec 1931:
"Uncle" David MUSSELMAN, who makes his home with his son in law and daughter, Mr and Mrs. Sam SHIVELY, n.e. of LaPlace, returned home sick three weeks ago, from a visit in Iowa with his son, Ernest, and family. He had an attack of flu which aggravated heart trouble. His recovery is despaired of.

Mrs. Shively of Mt. Morris, daughter of Mr. Musselman, and Mrs. Susie MILAM of Flint, Mich, a sister of Mrs. Lucy Kenniston of this place, reared in the Musselman home, are here helping care for their father and uncle.

1880 census: p. 214B Cerro Gordo, Piatt Co ILL
David MUSSULMAN Self M Male W 34 IN Farmer VA OH
Susanna MUSSULMAN Wife M Female W 31 IN Keeping House OH OH
Ella MUSSULMAN Dau S Female W 9 MO IN IN
Luthur MUSSULMAN Son S Male W 7 MO IN IN
Earnest MUSSULMAN Son S Male W 2 IL IN IN
Annie MUSSULMAN Dau S Female W 2M IL IN IN

Philip RITCHIE Other Male W 22 VA Farm Hand VA VA

Birth	15 JAN 1846	Tippecanoe Co., IN
Marriage	17 MAR 1870	Osceola, St. Clair Co., MO - Susannah CRIPE
Death	ABT 1913	Cerro Gordo Twp., Piatt Co., IL

Spouse	Susannah CRIPE (1851 - 1921)
Child	Ella MUSSELMAN (1871 - )
Child	Luther MUSSELMAN (1873 - )
Child	Dora Ellen MUSSELMAN (1875 - )
Child	Ernest MUSSELMAN (1878 - 1931)
Child	Anna E. MUSSELMAN (1880 - 1931)
Child	Grace MUSSELMAN (1886 - 1913)
Child	Chester MUSSELMAN (1889 - )

Father	George Washington MUSSELMAN (1819 - 1851)
Mother	Esther WAGONER (1816 - 1914)
Sibling	John MUSSELMAN (1839 - )
Sibling	Elizabeth MUSSELMAN (1843 - 1877)
Sibling	Anna MUSSELMAN (1848 - )