Joshua Melancthon Addeman (1840–1930) served as Secretary of State of Rhode Island from 1872 to 1887.
[1] Shortly after his graduation, Addeman enlisted as a private in the 10th Rhode Island Infantry which served for three months in the defenses of Washington, D.C. Later in the Civil War, Addeman was commissioned as the captain of Company H of the 2nd Battalion of the 14th Rhode Island Heavy Artillery (Colored).
After Lee's surrender in April 1865, the battalion was moved to Donaldsonville, where Addeman was appointed a provost marshal with power to enforce all laws made by the occupying Union Army.
In addition to his political interests, Addeman was treasurer of the Industrial Trust Company, and later its vice-president.
He was Clerk of the Common Council of Providence, treasurer and then vice-president of the Rhode Island Electric Protective Company, President of the Franklin Lyceum, President of the Soldiers and Sailors Historical Society of Rhode Island, vice-president of the Home for Aged Men in Providence and President of the Tenth Rhode Island Veterans Association.