Gottlob Mauser was born in the little village of Uterbreden, Wurttenburg, Germany December 24, 1860, the oldest child of Jacob and Roselle Mauser. He came to this country at 21 years of age, sailing from Germany in 1881. He was educated in the public schools of Germany and learned the blacksmith trade from his father. Soon after arriving in America he located at Waco, Nebraska where he worked as a blacksmith four years and learned the English language. In 1885 he came to Deuel County and established the first blacksmith shop in Big Springs. Sometime later he was pleasantly surprised to be called to the  hotel to find his parents and family, who could not speak English. They stayed with him, sleeping on the floor of his small living quarters, before leaving for Amherst, Colorado

 Mauser attended the German Methodist Church in homes northeast of Big Springs where he met Anna Moeller. Anna was born in Germany, December 2, 1872. She came to America with her parents, John and Anna Moeller and family. They located in Howard County, Nebraska and later settled on a homestead in Keith County.

Gottlob and Anna were married February 2, 1889 and made their first home in Big Springs. Mauser operated his blacksmith business until 1892 when they moved to a homestead 7.5 miles north of town where the family, Otto, Charlie, Tillie, Emma, Lillian, Ben and Mabel, grew up. He continued his blacksmith work on the homestead and engaged in agriculture and livestock for nearly a quarter of a century. At first the country was not yet adapted to much farming and he raised cattle, hogs and horses. Like other pioneers of their day, prairie fires, drouths, and blizzards were among the hardships, and wagons were the only means of transportation. For two years Mauser hauled water 7.5 miles for the family and stock. His own well was finished in June, 1893.

Life was hard for pioneer women and Mrs. Mauser was no exception. She bore eleven children, four of whom died in infancy. Besides caring for seven children, sewing and knitting their clothing, she helped with outdoor chores, gardening, and milking. Friends and neighbors report that all the work did not keep her from giving a helping hand in times of hardship, sorrow or sickness.

In the early 1890's Mauser helped construct a frame building for the German Methodist Episcopal Church northeast of Big Springs. But during the drouth years many settlers left and the building was sold to the Day Methodists. In 1904 the building was moved to Day and joined with the English Methodist Church. Near the church was the Day schoolhouse where all the Mauser children went to school. Mr. Mauser served on the school board for some time.

In 1915 the older boys took over the farming and Mr. and Mrs. Mauser bought their home in Big Springs where they lived for 41 years. Mauser continued his blacksmith work for many years and was active in business until he was 90 years of age. He came here with little but a determination to succeed. He was industrious, persevering and not afraid of hard work. With these qualities he made good.

Mr. and Mrs. Mauser were members of the Methodist Church for over 60 years, Mauser served on the boards of trustees and stewards for many years. Mrs. Mauser was a member of the Ladies Aid Society and the Women's Society of Christian Service. They shared their material blessings over the years. Among their gifts was an electric organ to the local church, furnishing a dormitory room at Nebraska Wesleyan University and a generous legacy to local churches and Nebraska Wesleyan University.

After many years of good health Mr. Mauser died July 8, 1956 at the age of 95 years and six months. Mrs. Mauser died March 18, 1963 at the age of 90 years and three months.