William Mobley, one of the oldest settlers of Morgan County, Mo., was born in Cumberland County, Ky., in 1807, and came to Morgan County in 1833, where he purchased land, and is now the owner of 138 acres. He is the son of James M. and Peggy (Rawlen) Mobley, both natives of South Carolina. When but a child William Mobley lost his mother, and he was then sent to an uncle, by whom he was reared. He remained here until twenty years of age, when he started out for himself and engaged as a farm hand. He was married at the age of twenty-two to Miss Elizabeth Campbell, a native of the same county in Kentucky, and in 1833 he and his wife moved to Morgan County, Mo. To their union were born these children: Amanda B., died at the age of eighteen years; James M., died in 1885; Benjamin, now living on the home farm; Nancy Ann, wife of A. W. Murry, of Texas; William, Jr. (deceased), Jane, died at the age of fourteen years; Minnie, widow of John Scott, and now resides in Moreau Township; Sadie (deceased), wife of John Duff, and Thomas, a farmer living in this township. Mr. Mobley is a member of the Baptist Church, and has always taken an active part in church work. He has been a preacher for thirty years, and has spent much of his time in his ministerial duties. He was a volunteer in the Mormon War. Mr. Mobley has been liberal in educating his children, and has reason to be proud of the fine men and women who reflect credit upon his name. He started life a poor boy, but by industrious habits and honesty he has accumulated a considerable competency, which will render his declining years comfortable and happy. He lost his wife in 1879. She died in her seventy-fourth year, and was a devout member of the Baptist Church. Mr. Mobley took for his second wife, in 1881, Mrs. Priscilla Ann Brown, widow of Harry Brown, who was murdered during the war.
History of Cole, Moniteau, Morgan, Benton, Miller, Maries and Osage Counties, Missouri, Goodspeed Publishing Co., 1889.