Joseph O. Dail was born in Anderson county, east Tennessee, February 21, 1826. His parents were William and Nancy Dail, the latter being a daughter of Joseph Overton, after whom the subject of this sketch was named. Mr. Dail was reared and educated in his native county, and did not leave there until after he was of age. His father was a farmer and the son was brought up to that calling. In the fall of 1848, he left his native State and came to Missouri, locating in Linn county, and engaging in farming. In 1850 he purchased the land where he now resides, and which he has improved from a nine-acre clearing into a large farm and comfortable home. There are 400 acres in a high state of cultivation, with a fine pasture. The improvements are superior, there being an excellent residence and a large barn. Mr. Dail was first married February 19, 1850, to Miss Nancy R. Phillips, daughter of Jeremiah Phillips, deceased. By this union there were nine children, eight of whom are still living. Mr. Dail was again married November 19, 1869, to Mrs. Elizabeth Wells, {nee Turner) widow of William Wells, who died in Douglas county, Missouri. By this union there were four children, two of whom are living. Three of the first set of children are married. Chestina is the wife of G. W. Kerby, Lilburn L. married Adaline Toler, and Mary E. married Joseph Billings. Mr. Dail has eight grand-children living. He is a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellow fraternities, in the former of which he carries a life policy in the Masonic Mutual. Politically Mr. Dail was an old line Whig, of the Clay school, but when that great party ceased to exist he voted with the Democrats until the formation of the National Greenback Labor party, the principles and objects of which he so strongly believed in that he became an active and influential member and worker in the party, and fearlessly supports the cause. Mr. Dail is a highly esteemed citizen and is recognized as one of the best farmers in his section of the country.
Source: History of Linn County, Encyclopedia of Useful Information, and a Compendium of Actual Facts, published by Birdsall & Dean, 1882; Pgs. 790-791
