Taken from the book
"HISTORY OF SALINE COUNTY MISSOURI"
Biographies by township
Clay Township
Page 644


Joseph Gorrell, P. O., Orearville. Was born in Berkley county, Virginia, July 5, 1814.

His father, William Gorrell, was also a native of Berkley county, Virginia, and was there married to Nancy Vanvector, also a native of Virginia.

They had nine children, five of whom are now living. Joseph, Antony T., William J., Mary, and Susan F.

In 1843, he (William) moved with his family to Saline county, and stayed a year; then moved to Pettis county. He (William) died about the year 1856, and was buried at the Union Church, two and a-half miles south of Longwood. His widow died in 1870, and was buried at the same place.

Joseph, the eldest son, was educated at the county schools of Berkley county, and stayed with his father until he was twenty-two years of age. In 1858, he came to Saline county, and settled on the farm on which he now lives—100 acres of fine land, ten miles east of Marshall.

He was first married in 1833 to Miss Priscilla Blue, of Berkley county, Virginia. They had three children, all living: William, James P., and John P. His first wife died in 1848.

He afterward married Miss Angeline McGill, who only lived sixteen months.

He then married Miss Elmira Miller, and they had one child, a girl.

His third wife died, and he was married the fourth and last time to the widow Marshall, daughter of Robert Orear.


*Note*

Joseph was a son of William Gorrell & Nancy (Van Meter) Gorrell. He married 4 times; Pricilla Blue, Angeline Magill, Elizabeth Elmira Miller, and Elizabeth O'Rear.

Joseph's daughter "Betty" Gorrell (daughter of 3rd wife) married Peter Catlett/Cutlett Marshall (his step son from 4th wife).