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Mossmantown was at
one time quite a flourishing hamlet, located near the northwest corner
of the township. A post-office, called West Salem, was established at
this point August 11, 1851, James W.
Mossman, postmaster. The office existed until November 4,
1875, and nothing remains of this once busy little place to attest its
former glory but the ruin of an old tannery.
History
of Mercer County,
1888, page 610

John Mossman
came to this township in 1797 and about two years later a large family
of that name were established here. The Mossmans
have been active and prominent in each
generation to the present time. On the Kinsman road, near the west line
of the township, Mossmantown or West Salem
postoffice was a small community that developed largely through the
presence of this family. James W.
Mossman was the postmaster when the postoffice was
established in 1851, and the office remained in the keeping of the
family during most of its existence. It was discontinued in 1875.
Twentieth
Century History of Mercer County,
1909, page 174
Landowners in and near Mossmantown,
according to the 1873
Combination Atlas for Mercer County: W. T. Phelan, Mrs. Mossman, L. Billig, W. H.
Billig, Alex Hunter, James Richards, J. Foulk, William Mossman,
and J. Mossman. The
village also had a tannery, saw mill, and a school house.
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