Josiah Given was born in Western Pennsylvania on August31, 1828. At the age of ten moved to Millersburg , Ohio. When he was but seventeen the War with Mexico excited his Military interest. He enlisted, late he becoming a corporal in Company G. 4th Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Home from war, he entered upon th study of law, and he was admitted to the bar.

In 1861 , rumors of war again excited his interested and he again became a soldier. He helped to organize Company K. 24th Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He served three months in Virginia, and he was made Lieutenant Colonel of the 18th Volunteer Infantry. In June 1863, He was made Colonel of the 76th Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He serving in the Atlanta Campaign. He received a Brevet General on March 13, 1865, for his meritorious war service.

   Unlike many soldiers, General Givens remained active in post-war. He was leader in the Grand Army of the Republic, being the first Commander of the Crocker Post in Des Moines, Iowa. He becomes the Iowa Department Commander from April 1896 to June 1897. He also kept in touch with the 24th O. V. I veteran's reunion organization. During the remaining forty years of his life, General Given identified himself with many civic activities. A member of the Legislature in 1876, General Given sought legislation favorable to the Union Soldier. A widely respected jurist, he served for twelve years as judge on the bench of Iowa Court. After retiring, General Josiah Given remained in Des Moines for his final years.

General Joisah Given died on February 03,1908. He was buried at Woodland Cemetery in Des Moines, Iowa. 

Dept. of Iowa Patriotic Instructor
Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War
James Hawk