Joseph H. Woodnorth facts for kids

Joseph Henry Woodnorth (December 17, 1845 – September 1, 1910) was an American businessman and a Democratic politician. He served in the Wisconsin State Senate, which is part of Wisconsin's government, from 1891 to 1894. He represented areas like Shawano and Waupaca counties. Joseph Woodnorth also fought in the American Civil War for the Union Army and earned an honorary rank of brevet captain.

Early Life and Moving to Wisconsin

Joseph Woodnorth was born in New York City on December 17, 1845. His parents had recently moved to the United States from England. In 1856, when Joseph was 11 years old, his family moved to Waupaca County, Wisconsin. There, his father bought a farm. Joseph grew up helping on the farm and got his education there.

His parents, Paul and Sarah Woodnorth, had nine children. They came to the U.S. in 1842. Paul was a tailor in New York City. Sarah also ran a shop selling dishes. They saved money and bought their first farm in Wisconsin in 1856.

Serving in the Civil War

When Joseph Woodnorth was 18, he joined the Union Army in December 1863. He started as a private in Company G of the 21st Wisconsin Infantry Regiment. He fought with his regiment in the Atlanta Campaign, a major series of battles during the Civil War.

During the war, Joseph showed great bravery. In June 1864, he was chosen to work directly for Major General George Henry Thomas. Later, he became a first lieutenant. He was even given an honorary rank of brevet captain for his actions. This special honor was for his courage during the Battle of Franklin. General Thomas himself praised Joseph in a letter:

Headquarters of the Army of the Cumberland.

My Dear Sir:— I have the honor to congratulate you for the heroism and bravery you have this day shown, which I assure you, is fully recognized. We have gained a great victory and you must share the honor.

After his first regiment was disbanded in June 1865, Joseph briefly joined the 3rd Wisconsin Infantry Regiment. He stayed in the army until September 1865.

Life After the War and Public Service

After the Civil War, Joseph Woodnorth returned to Waupaca, Wisconsin. He first worked on his father's farm. In 1867, he was elected as the city marshal, a kind of police chief, and served for three years.

He later managed a warehouse and then opened his own drug store in 1872. He eventually owned the store completely.

Joseph Woodnorth took on many public roles in his community:

• He was the city fire chief.
• He served as the city superintendent of schools from 1878 to 1886.
• He was a member of the Waupaca County board from 1882 to 1883.
• He was the Register of Deeds (an official who keeps important records) for Waupaca County from 1880 to 1885.

In 1888, President Grover Cleveland appointed him to work at the U.S. land office in Menasha.

Political Career and Community Work

Joseph Woodnorth was very involved in his community. He helped start the Wisconsin Veterans Home in King, Wisconsin, a place for veterans. He served on its board of trustees until he passed away. He also led several businesses, including a starch and potato company and a bank.

In 1890, Joseph Woodnorth was elected to the Wisconsin State Senate as a Democrat. He represented the 21st State Senate district. He served in the Senate until 1894. After his time in the Senate, President Cleveland appointed him again, this time as a U.S. pension agent in Milwaukee. This role involved helping veterans get their pensions.

Joseph Woodnorth was also active in groups for Civil War veterans, like the Grand Army of the Republic. He helped create a local chapter of this group in Waupaca. He was also a member of the Knights of Pythias, another fraternal organization.

Joseph Woodnorth passed away in 1910 at his home in Waupaca, Wisconsin. He had been sick with pneumonia for a short time.