Josiah Williams Begole

Republican Representative of Michigan's 6th district

Congresses Served

House Terms

January 1, 1815 (81 years old)

Birthday

January 1, 1896

Death

Served as a U.S. Representative from 1873 to 1875
Was the 19th governor of Michigan from 1883 to 1885
Born in Groveland, New York, to a family of French Huguenot descent
Moved to Flint, Michigan, in 1836 and engaged in various occupations including teaching and agriculture
Became involved in politics as an anti-slavery Republican, later aligning with the Greenback and Democratic parties
Held positions as county treasurer, member of the Michigan Senate, and member of the Flint City Council
His eldest son was killed during the American Civil War, which was a significant personal tragedy
Founded Flint Wagon Works and engaged in the lumber business and banking
Faced challenges from a Republican-dominated legislature during his governorship, with the establishment of the state bureau of labor statistics being a notable achievement
Was an early activist for women’s suffrage and became vice president of the Michigan Equal Suffrage Association in 1884
Died in Flint, Michigan, and is interred in Glenwood Cemetery there