Josiah Clapham (also spelled Josias; died 1803) was a colonial merchant, military officer, and politician in Virginia who served as a member of the House of Burgesses and later the Virginia General Assembly, representing Loudoun County.
[4] Clapham had a variety of business ventures, including a water mill, warehouse, mercantile, and ferry.
[5][6] In 1757, Clapham was approved with a license to operate the Potomac Crossing Ferry.
[11][2][12] During the American Revolutionary War, Clapham served as a colonel and member of the Loudoun County Committee of Safety.
[13] In 1779, Clapham purchased the 200-acre Chestnut Hill estate in Loudoun County, Virginia.