Olaf Mossberg, 87, former county sheriff and police officer in Sheridan, died Monday at the home for the aged in Thermopolis. He had lived at the home for nearly a year and had been hospitalized the past month.
Funeral arrangements, under the direction of the Reed mortuary, are incomplete.
Mr. Mossberg, born Aug. 12, 1867, in Sweden, came to the Sheridan area more than 61 years ago to work on the Holdrich property north of the city that later became known as the Wrench ranch.
He had become acquainted with the Holdrich family while living in Omaha and had also met another employee who later became his wife. Mr. Mossberg had emigrated to the United States in 1889 and lived in Sioux City, IA., and at Omaha before moving west.
At one time here, he was employed by “Buffalo Bill” Cody to break horses for Cody’s Wild West show in Europe but he turned down an offer to accompany the show on its tour. He did continue to work for the showman, however, and was foreman in charge of Cody’s short-lived endeavor to settle Irma Flats near the town of Cody with German immigrants.
Mr. Mossberg was also employed by the late Sen John B. Kendrick for the 04 Bar ranch near Ranchester for several years. After his marriage Sept. 22, 1903 in Geneseo, Ill., the couple returned to Sheridan to make their home.
During the period when John S. Taylor was mayor, dating from 1906-1908, Mr. Mossberg served on the Sheridan police force, and also during the term of Charles A. Kutcher in 1912-1913. He was later deputy sheriff under Jess Smith and undersheriff for six years under O. P. Benfiel.
He was elected sheriff in 1914 and served through 1919.
For 24 years, Mr. and Mrs. Mossberg farmed property near Banner now owned by Mr. and Mrs. Homer Voogd. They then moved to Sheridan and for a number of years made their home at 844 West Works Street. Mrs. Mossberg died two years ago, a son, Carl A. Mossberg, died Aug. 1, 1946, and a daughter died in infancy.
Mr. Mossberg was a member of the Trinity Lutheran church.
Survivors
include a sister, Mrs. Julia Hansen of Tokeland, Wash.; two nieces, Mrs. Horace
Sheldon, and several brothers and sisters in Sweden.
