In 1837, he was admitted to the bar and began practice in Lowell, the same year, he was elected to the house of representatives of his state, the youngest member of that body.

He finally was victorious as a Democratic candidate for the United States House of Representatives, and served from July 28, 1876 to March 3, 1877.

He was a member of the Electoral Commission created by the act of Congress approved January 29, 1877, to decide the presidential election of 1876.

[3] Both of Josiah and Caroline were descended from officers who served in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War.

[4] Together, they were the parents of:[2] He died at his home in Wellesley Hills on 2 June 1891,[1] and was interred in St. Mary's Church Cemetery, in nearby Newton Lower Falls, Massachusetts.