Josiah was a progressive farmer who helped found the Rock County Agricultural and Mechanics' Association and promoted the first Wisconsin State Fair, which was held in Janesville.

[2] In 1853 Josiah, David Inman, and other neighbors built the school that is the subject of this article, a one-room frame building with the low-pitched roof, frieze boards, and cornice returns - all hallmarks of the Greek Revival architectural style that was popular at that time.

Willard later wrote of it: It was plain and inviting, that little bit of a building, standing under the trees on the river bank.

It was a cold winter morning when school opened... we got the key, made the fire, and were the first to take possession.

The school was placed on the NRHP because it is the best-preserved structure connected to Frances Willard's time in Wisconsin.