Josiah D. Arnold

Josiah D. Arnold (November 1, 1820 – March 10, 1903) was an American businessman, Democratic politician, and Wisconsin pioneer. He was the 16th mayor of Portage, Wisconsin (1877–1881), and represented Columbia County in the Wisconsin State Assembly for the 1878 session.

Josiah Arnold
Portrait from The History of Columbia County, Wisconsin (1880)
16th Mayor of Portage, Wisconsin
In office April 1877 – April 1881
Preceded by	William W. Corning
Succeeded by	Andrew Jackson Turner
Member of the Wisconsin State Assembly from the Columbia 1st district
In office January 7, 1878 – January 6, 1879
Preceded by	David Owen
Succeeded by	Charles Randall Gallett
Register of Deeds of Columbia County, Wisconsin
In office January 6, 1851 – January 3, 1853
Preceded by	F. F. Farnham
Succeeded by	William Owen
Personal details
Born	(1820-11-01)November 1, 1820 Washington, Massachusetts, U.S.
Died	March 10, 1903(1903-03-10) (aged 82) Janesville, Wisconsin, U.S.
Resting place	Oak Hill Cemetery, Janesville, Wisconsin
Political party	Democratic

Biography

Arnold was born in Washington, Berkshire County, Massachusetts. Arnold moved to Janesville, Wisconsin Territory, in 1843. He then moved to Columbus, Columbia County, Wisconsin Territory in 1846 and finally moved to Portage, Wisconsin in 1852. Arnold was a merchant and lumber dealer. Arnold served as clerk of the Wisconsin Circuit Court for Columbia County in 1848 and 1849. He then served as register of deeds for Columbia County in 1851 and 1852. Arnold was a Democrat. From 1854 to 1858, Arnold served on the Portage Common Council. In 1877, Arnold served as mayor of Portage. In 1878, Arnold served in the Wisconsin Assembly.^[1] He moved back to Janesville and was in the real estate and insurance business.

Arnold died at his home in Janesville, Wisconsin from heart problems.^[2] He was buried at Oak Hill Cemetery in Janesville.^[3]

References

1. The Legislative Manual of Wisconsin, 1878, Biographical Sketch of Josiah Arnold, p. 466.
2. "Josiah Arnold Is Found Dead in Bed". Janesville Daily Gazette. Janesville, WI. March 10, 1903. p. 5. Retrieved August 11, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
3. "Buried with Masonic Rites". Portage Daily Democrat. Portage, WI. March 14, 1903. p. 2. Retrieved August 12, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.

Wisconsin State Assembly
Preceded by David Owen	Member of the Wisconsin State Assembly from the Columbia 1st district January 7, 1878 – January 6, 1879	Succeeded by Charles Randall Gallett
Political offices
Preceded by F. F. Farnham	Register of Deeds of Columbia County, Wisconsin January 6, 1851 – January 3, 1853	Succeeded by William Owen
Preceded by William W. Corning	Mayor of Portage, Wisconsin April 1877 – April 1881	Succeeded by Jack Turner