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.
Map
and driving directions to Mossmantown
If
you're looking for your ancestors in Mossmantown, try the Census
for West Salem Township 
