Earnest Mostella

Ernest Mostella in the 1990s

John Earnest Mostella (born September 13, 1908; died December 15, 2003 in Attalla) was a luthier, preacher and former coal miner. He lived in Ashville and was known for his roughly-made fiddles, constructed from pine or walnut logs with crude tools according to a tradition passed down from his grandfather, Gus Cohcran. Mostella also built banjos, mandolins, and guitars, and wove cotton baskets. His wife, Rozella, died in 1989.

In his 90s Mostella moved into an assisted living facility in Attalla. He died in 2003 and is buried at Ashville Cemetery.

References

• Penny, Basil (July 30, 2001) "Career in pictures" The Anniston Star
• Mathews, Burgin (December 24, 2008) "Ernest Mostella" Ladymuleskinnerpress.com
• Browder, Jamie (April 29, 2022) "Writer documenting work of Ashville fiddle maker Earnest Mostella." St. Clair News-Aegis

External links

• John Earnest Mostella at Findagrave.com