He was a member of the Wisconsin State Senate, representing Shawano, Waupaca, and eastern Marathon counties during the 1891 and 1893 sessions.

Woodnorth was born on December 17, 1845, in New York City, the son of recent English American immigrants.

[1] Woodnorth was educated and worked on his father's farm until age 18, when he enlisted for service in the American Civil War.

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.

In 1888 he was appointed Register of the United States General Land Office at Menasha by President Grover Cleveland.

After the close of the 1893 legislative session he resigned from office to accept an appointment from President Cleveland to serve as U.S. pension agent for the Milwaukee district.

[1] Joseph H. Woodnorth married Irene E. Vaughan, of Erie County, New York, on December 26, 1871, they had one child.

[2] Joseph Woodnorth was active with the Grand Army of the Republic fraternal organization for Civil War veterans, and helped found the lodge in Waupaca.