Nicholas Frederick JOSS

                   Rev. Arthur Henry Smith, An Authentic History of Winesburg, Holmes
County, Ohio, p. 28 - Nicholas F. Joss, Jr. (1813-1886) Son of a Swiss
immigrant, Nicholas F. Joss, Sr. No history of Winesburg would be
complete that would fail to note this man who settled here in 1846 and
was for many years prominent as a store keeper and notary public. Though
not a lawyer, many folks came to him for advice and counsel, recognizing
his superior knowledge in legal matters and confiding in him. Many a one
did he give good advice and keep from law suits and trouble. Though he
never sought office, he was widely and favorably known. As a notary
public, he wrote many a deed and other legal paper. His father had been a
teacher and member of the legislature in Canton Bern, Switzerland, but
being disgusted with the corruption in public affairs, he came to America
at the head of about seventy-five Swiss immigrants, landing at New York.
They came by way of Albany, Buffalo, Erie, Cleveland, thence by canal to
New Philadelphia, Ohio, where they arrived September 7, 1831. Most of
them settled in Walnut Creek Township, Holmes County. For a number of
years he did farming on his farm in summer and taught school in winter.
In 1846 he came to Winesburg and engaged in the mercantile business with
William Schalliol, as Joss and Schalliol. Later he bought him out and was
alone until 1860, when Edward Cranz, his brother-in-law became a partner
for three years. He then again continued the store until 1873, when he
sold his business to his son Charles Joss and to his son-in-law August
Frederick. Mr. Joss was a son-in-law of Rev. Daniel Cranz and the father
of Mr. August Frederick and of Mrs. Fred Blaser.

p. 73 Inscription on memorial bronze tablet in the churchyard of the
Winesburg Evangelical Church, "To the memory of the firt settlers and
pioneers of Winesburg, Ohio, who came to conquer a wilderness. They
possessed lofty courage, high ideals, rugged character and staunch
virtues.
Nicholas F. Joss, Jr. b. 1813 d. 1886 came to Winesburg 1846"

Holmes County Farmer, Aug 5, 1886
Col. Joss Dead. We were grieved to learn on Tuesday morning of the sudden
death of our esteemed Democratic friend, Col. N. F. Joss of Winesburg. He
has been ailing for some time; heart disease being the principal cause of
his sickness and also of his death. On Monday afternoon he was out and
able to walk around as he has been for the past month. He partook of
supper, after which he retired to his room and seated himself in an easy
chair as was his usual custom. Shortly afterwards parties called to see
him, and being directed to his room, found him seated in his chair in a
natural position - but the spark of life
had fled. Thus, one of the most useful men in Holmes County, after
spending more than the allotted time of mankind on earth, has suddenly
passed away.
Col Joss was born in Switzerland, May 22, 1813, and has been a resident
of Holmes County since 1831. He was a man of more than ordinary
intelligence and education, having assisted the community in which he
resided in many laudable enterprises. The funeral takes place on Thursday
from his late residence. The Farmer in connection with his many friends
and relatives bows its head in grief.

Holmes County Farmer, Aug. 12, 1886
     Col. N .F. Joss. Father Joss came to this country in 1831, with his
parents, two brothers and one sister; all have died before him. One
brother was the father of George and John Joss of New Philadelphia, O.,
the other brother read medicine with the late Dr. C. Peter and
subsequently practised medicine in Waverly, Pike County, this state where
he died. His sister married Eli Hochstetler of Walnut Creek, and died two
years ago, leaving a large family.
     When they came to this country a large number of his countrymen came
with them, who looked for the father of the late N. F. Joss as their
leader and adviser in everything. He had to contract for them for their
fare, provisions, and and everything on their long and perilous journey -
in those days when steamships and railroads were yet unknown. They left
their old fatherland in the month of May, 1831, arrived in Paris sometime
in June, and sailed from Havre, June 29th on a French sailing vessel
called the Romulus. This sea voyage took all of 41 days, which was
considered a short and very successful trip, as the majority of sailing
vessels were at that time from 60 to 100 days on the ocean before they
reached New York. This ship arrived in New York in the month of August.
They proceeded further on their journey to Ohio, then the "Far West", and
to them an unkown, wild and unexplored country - by canal to Buffalo,
from Buffalo across Lake Erie to Cleveland, then a small and unimportant
village strewn along the lake. From Cleveland they they journeyed by
canal to New Philadelphia, where they arrived Oct. 7, 1831, and in the
fall of the same year they settled on Walnut Creek in this county.
Niklaus Joss, with his son the late N. F. Joss, who was then a lad of 18
years, also helped to select and purchase most of the land and to the
business of their companions, of which there was a good many that came
with them from Switzerland.
     The father of N. F. Joss subsequently wrote a series of letters or
papers to his brother in Switzerland, describing their trip to America,
also the country here, which were very interesting and instructive and
were afterwards published in Switzerland in book form for the benefit of
future emigrants and were widely circulated. His father died in 1840. In
1836 N. F. Joss married Louisa Cranz, the eldest daughter of the Rev. D.
Cranz. He settled on his own farm which was then all woods; cleared and
improved it and lived in a log cabin. In the summer he toiled and worked
as only our fathers, the first settlers and pioneers of this country,
knoew how to work. In the winter he taught school - taught his neighbors
children the rudiments of the English and German lanquage. Later, he sold
hsi farm with the intention of going further west, but was persuaded to
remain here and entered as a clerk in a store at Navarre on the canal,
where he learned the mercantile business and still later commenced in a
store at Winesburg in 1846, with William Schalliol. The firm name was
Joss and Schalliol, which lasted but a few years, when Joss bought out
his partner and continued the store alone. Later he again associated
himeslf with a partner, his brother-in-law, Edward Cranz. The firm was
styled Joss and Cranz and lasted from 1860 to 1863, when Mr. Cranz went
out. From this time on he continued business under his own name until
1873, when he sold his interest to his son and son-in-law, Charles Joss
and A. Frederick. Since that time he has not been actively engaged in any
particular business, except farming a little, which was still his
delight, and occasionally doing writing for other people, which he used
to do for all the country around. They would even come from a great
distance to see hom on notarial business, such as mortgages,  deeds,
wills, and collecting of foreign estates, etc., and to get his advice. He
continued his office of notary public until his death, and probably held
that office longer than any one in the state. It was the only office he
ever held, although he was again and again importuned to accept offices,
but he would not, although he has always taken a lively interest in the
affairs of his country and in politics.

Holmes County Farmer, Aug. 19, 1886
Resolution of Condolence upon the death of the late Col. N. F. Joss of
Winesburg, Holmes County, Ohio. Spring Grove, Brown Co., Kansas, Aug. 8,
1886. Never had our community been more startled than when the sad and
unexpected intelligence received us of the sudden death of Col. N. F.
Joss, a person who had our unbounded esteem from our youth, and although
far removed from the house of mourning, we keenly feel the loss, and
distance has not lessoned our admiration for that useful life, which has
so suddenly been closed. To more fittingly express feelings to the
bereaved family and friends as a community, at the earliest convenience,
a meeting was called of former Holmes County, Ohio, citizens at the house
of G. Joss in the evening of August 8, 1886. Upon assemblin Fred Isely
was chosen chairman and C. F. Joss, secretary. After some remarks of
eulogy on the useful life of the distinquished departed, on motion a
committee of five was appointed to draft appropriate resolutions
expressive of feelings. After due consideration the committee reported
the following, which were adopted by those present and whose names are
hereto attached:
     Whereas under the all-wise providence of our Heavenly Father, our
endeared and esteemed uncle, relative and friend, Col. N. F. Joss, of
Winesburg, Holmes County, Ohio, was called from time to eternity Aug 2d.,
1886, and as a proof of the veneration his name is held by his relatives
and friends at Spring Grove and Fairview, Brown County, Kansas, and as an
expression of our sorrow and sympathy to the bereaved family, Be it
     Resolved by the undersigned that in his death an affectionate husband,
a loving father, a dear uncle, a true friend, and a generous and public
spirited citizen has passed away; that his memory shall ever be kept
green by us for his warm interest shown in the welfare of our community
by his wise counsel, prudent suggestions, and kind assistance.
     Resolved that a copy of this preamble and resolutions be sent to the
bereaved family and to the Holmes County Farmer for publication. Henry
Isely, Mrs. Sophia H. Isely,  J. J. Hochstetler,Mrs. Julia Hochstetler,
H. J. Hochstetler, Mrs. B. Hochstetler, G. Joss, Mrs. Martha Joss, Ed. H.
Germann, Mrs. Lizzie Germann, C. F. Joss,Mrs. Alice Joss,  Chas. Joss,
Mrs. Hattie Joss,  Geo. Joss, Mrs. Sarah Robinet,  C. H. Isely, Mrs.
Eliza Isely,  Fred Isely, Mrs. Pauline Isely,  J. M. Schenkleberger, Mrs.
M. Schenkelberger, Godfrey Schupbach, Mrs. M. Schubach, Troyer Irwin,
Mrs. Hannah Irwin,  Miller Irwin, Frank Joss, Chas. M. Geiger

Will of Nicholas F. Joss
Holmes County Probate Court Case No. 700
       I desire no ostentatious funeral, the whole expenses not to cost
over $25, only a headboard, if anything, instead of a tombstone, included.
       If it be the sense of my family, I would just as leave be buried on
my own land in an appropraite place and be thereafter used for a family
cemetery, and room left for some poor persons whom the world may deny a
place to rest their bones, free of chage.
       Believing as I do that by the provisions of the laws of the State of
Ohio my wife Louise will be entitled to a sufficient life dower from my
estate to live the remainder of her days comfortable after my decease, I
trust the matter to the law, my wife and heirs to manage and arrange it
to suit themselves as best they may.
       After the death of my wife, I give and devise to my son Charles Joss
the following real estate situated in Winesberg, Holmes County, Ohio: (1)
the house and lot no. 35 which we now occupy with the storehouse on (2)
lot no 33 with the wash and woodhouse thereon (3) also the outlot on on
the Middleton Road containing ten acres more or less with the lane and
the water privileges thereon. The property above described, my son
Charles Joss shall have for the sum of $3,500 payable in five annual
successive annual equal payments of seven hundred dollars each with five
percent interest payable annually. The first payment to be due one year
after my wife's death. It shall be the duty of my son Charles to notify
my other heirs residing in Ohio who are of lawful age or a mjority of
them in writing of his acceptance or refusal of said property on said
terms within three months of my wife's death.
       In case my son Charles refuses to take said property, my daughter
Mary and her husband Frederick Reichenbach, Jr. may jointly take said
property on the same terms offered to my son Charles and also give the
required notice to all my heirs or their respective representatives.
       I give and bequeath to my grandchildren (children of my deceased
daughter Sophia Blaser) namely: Lenore, Charley, Arthur, Emily, and
Willie each a legacy of one hundred dollars.
       I also give and bequeath to Mr. Eliza Lincoln, an old family friend,
a legacy of fifty dollars and in case of her death the sum in equal
shares to her granddaughters Mary and Emma Isley.
       I hereby nominate and appoint my son Charles Joss guardian of said
Blaser grandchildren .....
       I hereby nominate and appoint my son Charles Joss executor ....
       After my funeral expenses, cost of administration, the legacies and
debts if any to be paid, then the net proceeds of my estate are to be
divided equally among all my heirs, namely: 1. to my duaghter Caroline
without any deduction 2. to my daughter Emily $1,500 deduction per her
recipt 3. my daughter Lenore $1,000 deduction per her receipt 4. my son
Charles $1,500 deduction per his receipt 5. my daughter Sophia Blaser's
children $1,000 deduction per her receipt and 6. my daughter Mary $1,000
deduction per her receipt.
       Signed Feb. 25, 1882. N. F. Joss Witnesses: H. H. Strubbe, A. C.
Cranz
Filed Aug 9, 1886, Case No. 700, Will Book 3, p. 227

Rev. Arthur Henry Smith, An Authentic History of Winesburg, Holmes
County, Ohio, p. 28 - Nicholas F. Joss, Jr. (1813-1886) Son of a Swiss
immigrant, Nicholas F. Joss, Sr. No history of Winesburg would be
complete that would fail to note this man who settled here in 1846 and
was for many years prominent as a store keeper and notary public. Though
not a lawyer, many folks came to him for advice and counsel, recognizing
his superior knowledge in legal matters and confiding in him. Many a one
did he give good advice and keep from law suits and trouble. Though he
never sought office, he was widely and favorably known. As a notary
public, he wrote many a deed and other legal paper. His father had been a
teacher and member of the legislature in Canton Bern, Switzerland, but
being disgusted with the corruption in public affairs, he came to America
at the head of about seventy-five Swiss immigrants, landing at New York.
They came by way of Albany, Buffalo, Erie, Cleveland, thence by canal to
New Philadelphia, Ohio, where they arrived September 7, 1831. Most of
them settled in Walnut Creek Township, Holmes County. For a number of
years he did farming on his farm in summer and taught school in winter.
In 1846 he came to Winesburg and engaged in the mercantile business with
William Schalliol, as Joss and Schalliol. Later he bought him out and was
alone until 1860, when Edward Cranz, his brother-in-law became a partner
for three years. He then again continued the store until 1873, when he
sold his business to his son Charles Joss and to his son-in-law August
Frederick. Mr. Joss was a son-in-law of Rev. Daniel Cranz and the father
of Mr. August Frederick and of Mrs. Fred Blaser.

p. 73 Inscription on memorial bronze tablet in the churchyard of the
Winesburg Evangelical Church, "To the memory of the firt settlers and
pioneers of Winesburg, Ohio, who came to conquer a wilderness. They
possessed lofty courage, high ideals, rugged character and staunch
virtues.
Nicholas F. Joss, Jr. b. 1813 d. 1886 came to Winesburg 1846"

Holmes County Farmer, Aug 5, 1886
Col. Joss Dead. We were grieved to learn on Tuesday morning of the sudden
death of our esteemed Democratic friend, Col. N. F. Joss of Winesburg. He
has been ailing for some time; heart disease being the principal cause of
his sickness and also of his death. On Monday afternoon he was out and
able to walk around as he has been for the past month. He partook of
supper, after which he retired to his room and seated himself in an easy
chair as was his usual custom. Shortly afterwards parties called to see
him, and being directed to his room, found him seated in his chair in a
natural position - but the spark of life
had fled. Thus, one of the most useful men in Holmes County, after
spending more than the allotted time of mankind on earth, has suddenly
passed away.
Col Joss was born