Mary Barbara was the daughter of John Baptist and Mary Magdalen (Illig) Moser, married by Rev. Demetrius Gallitzin at Loretto, Pa., on February 3, 1834. Children to this couple were born in New York and Galveston, Tx. But by Mary Barbara’s birth in 1847, they returned to Cambria County, Pa. In the 1850 Census, John "Mozier" was a 49 year old carpenter living in Carroll Township, born in Germany, with personalty valued at $400. His wife Magdalena was 35 years old and born in France. Resident children were Charles (15), Magdalena (14), Theresa (8), Philomena (5), Mary B. (2), and Mary (1).

The story turns tragic with the early death of the mother, Mary Magdalen, on January 31, 1852. According to some family lore, John left for Galveston with some of the children, between February and July of 1852, but died during a storm on the Mississippi River on August 2, 1852. In March of 1853, the children’s uncle John Illig was appointed guardian of the children in Cambria County. However, the children all went to different locations and none of them are listed at the John Illig residence by the 1860 Census.

Mary Barbara went to live with the Erhard and Annie Farabaugh family in Allegheny Township, evidenced by her listing as Barbara Moser, age 12, in the 1860 Census, and the fact that her photograph shown here was included in the Farabaugh photo album.

Mary Barbara entered the Benedictine community in Atchison, Kn., on May 8, 1864 and made final vows on February 10, 1867. As Mother Theresa Moser, she oversaw Mount St. Scholastica Convent from December 27, 1884 to 1896 or 1897. Barbara followed her sister Magdalen into the Benedictine Order, and was known as Sr. Gregoria.