California Biographies Transcribed by Peggy Hooper This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm Source: History of the state of California and biographical record of the San Joaquin Valley, California. An historical story of the state's marvelous growth from its earliest settlement to the present time. Prof. James Miller Guinn , A. M. The Chapman Publishing Co., Chicago 1905 Notes: Missing Page: 865-866,983-984,1175-1176 JOSEPH VOSSLER. Germany has furnished the United States with many of its most substantial citizens, and in every state the natives of that country have become prominently identified with the various industries. The Germans deserve much credit for the pioneer work they have done in the west, as they have at all times been in the van of the settlers, Mr. Vos- sler is no exception, for he has for many years been a resident of California, and during his residence here he has taken an active part in the work of development. Coming to this coun- try without a dollar or a friend, he has, by his own individual efforts, accumulated a comfort- able competency and attained a position of affluence in Tulare county. Born in Germany, March 4, 1840, near Rottweil, a town located in the vicinity of the fa- mous "Black Forest," he is a son of Simon and Johanna (Schuler) Vossler, both of whom spent their entire lives in the old country. Joseph Vossler is the eldest in a family of eight children, and is the only one to locate in California. His early life was spent in his native country, where he attended the common schools and when old enough began learning the trade of a butcher in his father's market. After serving his apprenticeship he worked as a journeyman butcher, traveling through Switzerland and visiting the principal cities. Later he returned to Germany, but remained there only a short time, when, in 1868, he bade good-by to home and sailed for America, the land of prom- ise. While he has been in this country many years, Mr. Vossler has never regretted his de- cision to leave the place of his nativity, as in that country the chances for advancement are lim- ited, while here every man stands alone, and if it is in him to succeed he can do so. Soon after arrival in the United States his attention was attracted to an advertisement of the Central Pacific Railroad, offering $5 per day for laborers. In company with a partner he came west and for a time worked for the company, but as the road employed a great many China- men, Mr. Vossler decided to seek employment elsewhere. With that idea in mind he went to Sacramento in 1869, where he soon secured work on a farm near the city. For the following five years he continued working for others, but in 1874 he came to Tulare county, and with the money he had saved from his earnings, he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, which he at once began to cultivate and improve. Engaging in grain-raising and the hog business he was soon able to buy more land, adding to his original purchase until he now owns seven hundred and twenty acres, of which two hundred and forty acres is located two miles east of Wood- ville. This place is improved and equipped with all the modern appliances necessary to carry on a successful farming business. His pumping plant is of twenty-four horse power, which sup- plies all the water necessary for irrigation and other purposes. While he devotes considerable of his land to the growing of grain and alfalfa, he is also engaged in the cattle and dairy business, Mr. Vossler was in the Tule river irrigation district and was a member of the committee that brought about the liquidation and took an active part in the settlement of the affairs which led to the paying of the bond in 1904. In Modesto Mr. Vossler was united in marriage with Nannie Gabriel, who was born in Hol- stein, Germany. To this union have been born six children, all of whom are living in the vicin- ity. In order of birth their names are as follows : Fred, Charles, Joseph, Andrew, Cora and Herman. Mr. Vossler believes in the rights of mankind and in political belief is strongly in favor of the principles as promulgated by the Socialist party. Taking a deep interest in educational matters, he served for many years as trustee of his school district, and during his tenure of office labored earnestly for the bettering of the existing conditions. Fraternally he is a welcome visitor in the Odd Fellows' lodge rooms, while in religion both he and his wife are associated with the Christian Science Church at Portersville.