Moberly is a city in Randolph County, Missouri, United States. According to the 2008 census bureau estimate, the population was 14,227. The city was incorporated 1868. The Moberly Micropolitan Statistical Area consists of Randolph County. Bob Riley is the current mayor [2011].
The U.S. Geological Survey National Mapping Information locates this city at 39° 25' 06" N 092° 26' 17" W. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 11.6 square miles, of which 11.6 square miles is land and 0.1 square miles (0.43%) is water.
Moberly was founded in 1866, and named after Colonel William E. Moberly, the first president of the Chariton and Randolph County railroads.
On Independence Day, 1995, a tornado ripped through downtown Moberly. There were no reported deaths, but there was a large amount of structural damage. Another tornado tore through the area (Renick) on Sunday, March 12, 2006. Four people were killed and thirteen were injured in the F3-level tornado. Dozens of homes were destroyed.
The World War II era US Navy frigate USS Moberly (PF-63) was named for the town. The ship participated mostly in convoy escort, earning a battle star for her assistance in sinking the German submarine U-853.
Moberly is mentioned in the Tom Waits song "Black Market Baby," from the 1999 album Mule Variations.