Killen Voshell (b.1829)

VOSHELL, MILLER, PERKINS, TRIP

Posted By: Dorothy Gosse (email)
Date: 1/7/2004 at 12:55:41

KILLEN M. VOSHELL, who follows farming on Section 12, Fairfield Township, is one of the self-made men of the county and also one of its honored pioneers. He came here in 1848 and of those who had already effected settlements few yet remain to tell the story of life on the frontier in Iowa or recount their pioneer experiences, for some have sought homes elsewhere and others have passed away.

In this worthy pioneer, Mr. VOSHELL, we have a representative citizen. He was born in Kent County, Delaware, February 15, 1829, and is the son of PETER and MARY (MILLER) VOSHELL, who were parents of five children, four sons and a daughter, namely FRANCIS who is living a retired life in Brush Creek; JESSE, a farmer on Section 11, Fairfield Township; KILLEN; JOHN engaged in farming on Section 12, Fairfield Township, and ELIZABETH who is living in South Dakota. Leaving Delaware, their native State, Mr. and Mrs. Voshell started with their family for the West and in Ripley County, Indiana, spent four years after which they continued their journey to Rock County, Wisconsin, where Indians far outnumbered the white settlers. The husband entered land from the Government and opened up a new farm with the aid of his sons. In 1848, accompanied by Killen, he came to Iowa on a prospecting tour and so well pleased was he with the country that the following year he brought his family to Fayette County. He was a pioneer of Indiana, Wisconsin and Iowa.

Here he obtained two hundred and forty acres of Government land covered with timber which he cleared away and then, plowing and planting soon reaped abundant harvests as a reward for his labors. Upon that farm he made his home until his death, which occurred in 1874, when he was laid to rest by the side of his wife at the Stone School House, her death having occurred the year previous. He led a quiet yet useful life in harmony with his profession as a member of the United Brethren Church.

During his entire manhood KILLEN VOSHELL has been a resident of Fayette County. He remained at home assisting his father until twenty years of age when he began farming for himself on Section 13, Fairfield Township, a part of his present farm. He is now the owner of three hundred acres of the best land in the county, whose rich fertility amply repays him for his care and cultivation. When not quite twenty-one Mr. Voshell was married and by the first union* had one child, MILLARD VOSHELL, now of Clayton County. For his second wife he wedded THANKFUL PERKINS and the children of that marriage are CALVIN, who is living in Illyria Township; GEORGE, engaged in farming on Section 5, Fairfield Township; NANCY J. wife of JOHN TRIP; LUCINDA, HENRY, ELIZA L., IRA and MABEL.

* page 372 - 1878 History of Fayette Co. Iowa, "Court Record of 1855 - at this term several petitions for divorce appear of record, viz (2) Killen Voshell vs Hannah Voshell"

Portrait and Biographical Album (1891), page 269