Hosea Joslin was born in Deerfield, Cumberland County, New Jersey.

He was an exhorter in the Methodist Episcopal Church of Mays Landing, Atlantic County, New Jersey circa 1825-1880, and is mentioned as being a preacher of the Methodist circuit riders at the Old Catawba Meeting House and Burial Ground.

Hosea noticed that the sailors who would occasionally attend services would stop visiting after a few Sundays. He investigated, and learned they were uncomfortable among the inland people and were too poor to pay rent for pews or contribute to collection plates.
Hosea owned a plot of land on Sugar Hill in Mays Landing, where much of the incoming cargoes were stored. So on this lot he built, through his own labor and with some of the dockmen, a small chapel that was dedicated January 1, 1874, for the exclusive use of the waterfront churchgoers. It was a success, and services were held in the chapel by Reverend Joslin until his death in 1880.

A short time later the people of Mays Landing decided a chapel was needed at Union Cemetery, and the Sugar Hill Chapel was moved there. It was little used, however, and fell into decay.

In 1961, the chapel was purchased by Fred and Ethel Noyes, who owned the Historic Towne of Smithville. It was moved there, restored, and was used for weddings and church related activities for many years. It was a favorite of visitors.
Hosea's great great grandchild, James McCarthy, was married in the church while it still existed as such, back in the early 1980's, and many family members attended and have fond memories of it.
But after the death of the Noyes, Smithville was sold, the grounds were remodeled, and the chapel was gutted and turned into a store. It now stands in the original section of Smithville, next to what used to be the old mill, and is currently a sporting goods shop.

(written July 2011)

Notes: Served in the War of 1812.

If you have a better copy of the portrait photo, please feel free to upload it as well.

Hosea and Margaret's children were:

1. Jonathan Joslin (11 MAR 1816-____)
2. Catherine Joslin (3 SEP 1820-23 FEB 1890)
3. Lise Ann Joslin (24 JUL 1822-16 SEP 1824)
4. Enoch N. Joslin (20 MAY 1824-4 Feb 1904) m. Lydia Ann _____
5. John Joseph Joslin (23 FEB 1825-18 AUG 1827)
6. Charles Pitman Joslin (7 MAR 1828-____)
7. Daniel P. Joslin (16 APR 1830-29 Jul 1883) m. Asenath I. Palmer
8. Mark Carman Joslin (2 JUL 1832-17 Jan 1914) m. Mary Ellen Gibson
9. Mary Ann Joslin (27 Jul 1836-21 Jun 1880) m. Elias C. Ackley
10. Hosea B. Joslin (20 MAY 1837-14 Jul 1918) m. Amanda B. Garrison
11. Joseph A. Joslin (25 Dec 1843-6 Jul 1878)