Henry Voss

Henry Voss, one of the worthy German citizens of Monroe County, now follows farming on section 36, township 3, range 8 west, where he owns and operates one hundred and forty-seven acres of good land. With the exception of twenty acres, the entire amount is under a high state of cultivation and well improved. He raises grain principally, and the waving fields tell of bountiful harvests and indicate to the passer-by the thrift and enterprise of the owner.

The father of our subject, Fred Voss, was born in the province of Hanover, Germany, on the 18th of May, 1821, and there married Miss Dora Tott. He was a carpenter by trade, and followed that business in his native land. In 1856 he emigrated with his family to the New World, and took up his residence in Randolph County, Ill., where he followed carpentering until 1868. He also owned and operated one hundred acres of land in that community. In the year just mentioned he came to Monroe County, and located upon the farm which is now the home of our subject, there securing two hundred acres of land. It was an unimproved tract, but ere his death he had transformed it into one of the fine farms of the neighborhood. He passed away April 20, 1893, in the faith of the Lutheran Church, of which he was a member. In his political views he was a Democrat.

The Voss family numbered eight children, five of whom are still living, as follows: Henry, whose name heads this record; Fred, resident farmer of township 3; Fredericka, wife of William Nagel of Randolph County; Anna, wife of Herman Nagel, also of Randolph County; and Sophia, wife of Andrew Wickelheim of Montgomery County, Mo.

Henry Voss was born in Germany April 26, 1848, and was a youth of only eight summers when he crossed the ocean for this country. His education was acquired in the public schools of Randolph County, and he was early inured to the labors of the farm. On the 21st of October, 1873, he was united in marriage with Miss Sophia Nagel, daughter of Ernest Nagel, one of the early settlers of Randolph County, and a native of Germany. Six children grace their union: Henry, Carline, Herman, Charles, Ernst and August.

After his marriage, Mr. Voss located upon the farm which has since been his home, and to the cultivation of which he has since devoted his energies. He is recognized as one of the leading agriculturists of the community. In religious belief he is a Lutheran, and in political faith he is a Democrat. He has served as School Director of his township, and takes an active interest in everything pertaining to the welfare and advancement of the community.