Note:  The author spelled the last name 2 different ways and this is written exactly as the author wrote it.

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JOSIAH  VANFOSSON,  farmer, P. O. Mount Erie, is a native of Columbiana County, Ohio, born October 1, 1835 to David and Malinda (Fisbel) Vanfossen, both natives of Ohio and the parents of six children, of whom the following are new living:   Rosa (the wife of Jacob Galbraith), David, Alexander, and Josiah, our subject, who was the second child.  He was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools.  When he was sixteen years of age, he was brought to Wayne County, Ill., by his parents.  He has followed farming exclusively, excepting a period of twelve years, in which he made carpentering his occupation, and at that time resided in Mount Erie.  In August, 1862, he enlisted in the late civil war, serving in Company D, of the Eighty seventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and took part in several engagements.  He was mustered out of the service in July, 1865.  He married Mary Marvel, who has borne him seven children, of whom five are now living viz., Thomas J., Malinda J., Elisha D., William Sherman, Mary A.  Mr. Vanfossen is one of the most prominent men of his township, having by honesty, industry and economy, secured a good property and a name and reputation that is beyond reproach.  He is an active member of the A. F. & A. M. Lodge, No. 331, at Mount Erie, and he and wife are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.  Politically,  he is a Democrat.