By: Mark Holtsberry
Dr. Ray Henry Mouser was one of Paulding County’s leading citizens, whose family showed volunteerism, as well as providing medical care for numerous citizens of the county.
Ray was born July 20, 1895, in the town of Latty, Ohio. His father was Dr. Ambrose Henry Mouser, born November 23, 1866, in LaRue, Marion County, Ohio. Ray’s mother was Rose Belle Price, born 1871 in Jackson Township, Paulding County. They were married, September 10, 1890. Her mother was Catherine Holtsberry, her father James is this writers, great, great grandfather!
Alright, back on topic! Dr. Ambrose and Rose Belle Mouser had a son, Justus Ambrose, born September 13, 1892, in Latty, Ohio. A daughter, Nellie Merle, was born September 23, 1897 also in Latty, Ohio. The Mouser family lived on Alexander Street in Latty, Ohio.
By 1900, the Mouser family moved to Paulding, Ohio. Ambrose still practicing Medicine and Belle, raising three children. By 1910, the family moved to Paulding. As country’s in the world saw governments dealing with unrest, World War broke out. Justus had registered for the draft, June 5, 1917, he will not serve. Ambrose served on the Officers Reserve Corp for the Medical Dept. Ray graduated from Ohio State Medical School in 1916, with a degree in Medicine.
Ray had plans to work with his father, but he had to register for the draft, May 28, 1917. With his status as a single man, he knew he would be selected. Ray was slender and medium built, black hair, and brown eyes. He was given a nice uniform, and the rank of 1st Lieuteant. After arriving in France, he was sent to join the Medical Corp with the British Expeditionary Forces. From April 16, 1918 – December 18, 1918, Ray saw a lot of wounded and dead soldiers. He was slightly wounded in action, September 10, 1918. On April 16, 1918, Ray was awarded a medal by the British Government for being a Chief Surgeon. Ray also served with the American Expeditionary Forces, before returning to the United States. Ray also served in Washington D.C. and New York Medical facilities before returning to Camp Sherman, Ohio.
Ray was Honorably Discharged, January 4, 1919. Ray was able to put behind the nightmare of war, he met a gal named Lelia Agness Morgan, from Haviland, Ohio, she was born 1895 in, and was the daughter of Peter Schuylar and Agnes Morgan. Ray and Lelia were married May 27, 1922. She was a strong educated woman, who went to college at Henry Kendall College, then transferred to the University of Miami, where she became a member of The Independent Women’s Association.
In 1920, Ray and Lelia, were living with Ray’s parents in Paulding. Ray and Lelia’s first child, a daughter, Eleanor Nell, was born, April 11, 1924, followed by another daughter, Lelia Belle, May 16, 1927, and Marilyn Rae, January 6, 1932. Ray’s father Dr. Ambrose Mouser passed away, January 15, 1925 in Ft. Wayne, Indiana and was buried in Live Oak Cemetery. By 1930, Ray, Lelia and three daughters, moved to 615 North Williams Street in Paulding.
Ray’s mother, Belle, passed away in Latty, Ohio, May 20, 1936, and was buried alongside her husband Ambrose. During the depression, Ray did not make a lot of money, but the family did not go hungry either. The residents of Jackson, Latty and Paulding Township’s kept the family in eggs, butter and milk. The occasional pheasant or chicken plus some beef or pork made it to their dining room table. In 1940, the family still lived on North Williams Street. The daughters all going to Paulding school.
In 1942, at the age of 46, Ray had to register for the draft. He was not selected, but I would imagine his fear of the possibility of being selected. By the 1950’s Ray and his wife Lelia were enjoying a quiet house. But Ray caught influenza, and passed away, March 15, 1955. He was buried in Live Oak Cemetery, Paulding. As a side note, his brother Justus, delivered a baby boy, November 30, 1943. That baby was named Justus, who was my uncle!
Until next time !
