Charles Musser , a thrifty and prosperous farmer of Oneco Township, owns and occupies a comfortable homestead on section 32, which he purchased in 1879, and to which he has since given his undivided attention. The land is fertile and well cultivated, and mostly devoted to the raising of grain and wheat in connection with the provisions required for the family consumption. He keeps a limited number of cattle, horses and hogs, and takes life comparatively easy, generally keeping pace with his neighbors around him in the effort to maintain himself and his family comfortably, and looking well to his position as a worthy member of the community.

Mr. Musser first opened his eyes to the light in Centre County, Pa., Dec. 15, 1844. He is the son of Jonas and the brother of James Musser. His father was born in 1800, and spent his entire life in the Keystone State, where his death took place in 1852. Two years later our subject, accompanied by his brother James, came to this county. They settled in Buckeye Township and Charles lived with them two years thereafter, and for six years afterward was employed on a farm for his board and schooling. His first wages were fifty cents per day, which be earned by working for his brothers. He was thus employed two years, then going to Buena Vista engaged as a clerk in a store, where he remained one year, and subsequently took up his residence in the city of Freeport.

The war had now been in progress for some time, with no immediate prospect of an adjustment of difficulties. Young Musser, who had now reached his twenty-first year, decided to be one of those responding to the call for additional troops, and in February, 1865, enlisted in Co. A, 46th 111. Vol. Inf., in which he served until the close of the war. In the meantime he met the enemy at the siege of Mobile and the battles of Spanish Fort and Ft. Blakesley. The surrender of Gen. Lee not long thereafter, was followed by the disbandment of many regiments, and our subject with his comrades, was discharged and mustered out of service at Springfield, IL, a year from the time he had enlisted. He subsequently returned to his old home in Pennsylvania, where he spent about six months, then coming back to Illinois, was employed for a time by his brother, and afterward rented land a year in Oneco Township. This last venture not proving what he had hoped, he subsequently employed himself for a time at whatever he could find to do, and then going to Orangeville, was engaged as a clerk by his brother James, for two years. In 1870 he was united in marriage with Miss Mary A. Pollock, who was the daughter of Thomas and the sister of Samuel R. Pollock, prominent residents of this county, and a sketch of whom will be found on another page.

Mr. and Mrs. Musser after their marriage, continued to reside at Orangeville until the spring of 1871, and then Mr. Musser rented the homestead of which he is now the owner, for a period of nine years. His labors in the meantime, had been crowned with success, and he was now happily in a condition to purchase, and in the spring of 1879 he received the warranty deed, and resumed his labors with renewed courage upon his own property. He has effected many improvements, and stands well among the neighboring farmers both socially and financially. There were born to our subject and his wife three children, of whom only one is living, Thomas 0., whose birth took place April 4, 1871, and who continues with his parents. Winnie M., who was born May 21, 1879, died Jan. 13, 1883; Charles R., born Oct. 25, 1881, died Nov. 29, 1882.
History of Stephenson County 1888 Portrait & Biographical