Joel Hostetter (Biography)

[genealogynut]

Taken from History of the State of Kansas, by William G. Cutler

JOEL HOSTETTER, merchant, was born in Hocking County, on the Hocking River, Ohio, 1825.  In 1831, migrated to Noble County, Ind., where he was raised and lived until 1868, was put into a dry goods store as soon as he was old enough to reach the counter, and handled this line until 1867.  In the spring of 1868, migrated to Kansas, locating at Ottawa, where he engaged in the dry goods business, at the end of four years, located at Thayer, and engaged in farming and stock-raising, remaining ther until 1881, when he came to Longton, Elk County, and engaged in the hardware and furniture business with his son-in-law, Mr. Bolinger.  They also have a term joining the town site of Longton, which they carry on.  Also owns 160 acres of land at Thayer, Neosho County, which he improved and has stocked with twenty-five cows, and sixty-five head of young stock.  The subject of this sketch is a thorough, enterprising business man, and a man who takes hold of any enterprise which will benefit the general public.  Besides his farming and mercantile business, has stock in the Longton Coal Company and is one of the directors.  Was married in 1844 in Noble County, Ind., to Miss M. E. Preston, of that place.  They have been blessed with three children, viz: Elmer, Amanda, and Julia.  Is a member of Longton Lodge, No. 26, A.F. & A. M. and to the I.O.O.F. of Noble County, Ind.