Was born in Sullivan County, Tennessee, October 9, 1827. His parents, Jesse and Polly Gallant Offield were also natives of Tennessee. His father was a blacksmith by trade and carried on that business in connection with farming; was a soldier in the War of 1812, and died in this County in 1851. His mother died in this County, May 3, 1880. In 1836 the parents of our subject removed from Tennessee to Schuyler County, Illinois, where they lived four years, and then, in 1840, migrated to Missouri and settled in Daviess County. Here Joseph was reared upon the home farm, and received his education in the common schools.
On the 12th of February, 1853, Mr. Offield was joined in the marriage bonds to Miss Adelia Ewing, daughter of William Ewing, of this County. By this union they had seven children; namely, William F., James M., Adelia W., Leroy T., Virginia, Sarah N. and Edna F. On the 10th of June, 1871, Mrs. Offield died, sincerely mourned by relatives and friends. January 15, 1876, Mr. Offield married Mrs. Polly Graves, nee Brown. The issue of this marriage was one child, Joseph E. Mrs. Offield died April 2, 1879, regretted by all who knew her.
Mr. Offield has lived in Daviess County for forty-one years, and during that time has been engaged in farming, and working at his trade of” blacksmithing and gun smithing. He owns a good farm of 120 acres, well improved and stocked. He is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and of Lock Springs Lodge No. 488, A. F. & A. M., and is classed among the most substantial citizens of Jackson Township.