Joel Bloss, son of Jonas, a former resident of Washington township, this county was born May 11, 1831. He resided on the farm the greater part of which belonged to Conrad Ebert an early citizen of this township, located one and one-half miles southwest of Slatedale. Besides, he owned and cultivated a large farm in Heidelberg, township, now in possession of his son Benneville. Joel Bloss early in life learned the blacksmith trade, a vocation he followed in connection with his farming. Mr. Bloss was one of the most progressive and successful farmers in his township. He also dealt extensively in western horses, making trips personally at different time to Wisconsin, Iowa and Kansas in order to supervise the buying of the best lives stock. It was in December, 1902, while away on a trip to Iowa and Kansas, accompanied by his son Benneville, that he contracted a severe cold from the effects of which he never fully recovered and which finally led to his death which occurred May 6, 1910. Joel Bloss was married to Sarah Schneider, a daughter of John and Maria Barbara (Hausman) Schneider, a noted gunsmith, of Heidelberg township. Mr. Bloss was a lifelong member of the Reformed congregation of the Heidelberg Church, of which his wife is also a faithful member. At different times he served in the capacity of deacon and elder of the church. In politcs he was always a Republican. Joel and Sarah Bloss had five children, one of whom is deceased, namely Henry W., James F., Nathaniel, born Sept 4, 1863, died Aug 16, 1889, Benneville J., and Alvin F.
