Josiah Given was born in Murrysville, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania on August 31, 1828. At the age of ten his family moved to Millersburg, Ohio. At 17, he enlisted in Company G of the Fourth Ohio Infantry Regiment as a private. By the end of the Mexican War, he was a corporal.

Returning to private life, Given studied law and was admitted to the bar.

Residing in Coshocton at the beginning of the Civil War, Given recruited the first three years infantry company from Coshocton County, "Given's Rangers." His reward came on June 3, 1861, a commission as captain of the company. On September 2, Colonel Jacob Ammen's recommendation of Given caused his promotion to lieutenant colonel and transfer to the 18th Ohio Volunteer Infantry Regiment. In June 1863, Colonel Timothy Stanley recommended Given for another promotion, so he received a commission as colonel on June and was reassigned to the 74th Ohio Volunteer Infantry Regiment. Given served through the Atlanta Campaign. He received a brevet to brigadier General on March 13, 1865, for his meritorious war service.

Unlike many soldiers, Given remained active in the post-war. He was a leader in the Grand Army of the Republic, being the first commander of Crocker Post in Des Moines, Iowa. He become the Iowa Department Commander from April 1896-June 1897. He also kept in touch with the 24th OVI veterans' reunion organization.
BR>During the remaining forty years of his life, Josiah identified himself with many civic activites. A member of the legislature in 1876, Given sought legislation favorable to the Union soldier. A widely respected jurist, he served for twelve years as a judge on the bench of the Iowa Supreme Court.

After retiring, Josiah Given remained in Des Moines for his final years. He died on February 3, 1908, and is interred in Woodland Cemetery, Des Moines, Iowa.

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