Joshua M. Addeman

Joshua Melancthon Addeman (1840–1930) served as Secretary of State of Rhode Island from 1872 to 1887.

Early life and education Joshua M. Addeman was born in Bay of Islands, New Zealand on November 15, 1840. He was the son of Thomas Addeman and Maria (Fligg) Addeman. He was educated in the Providence public schools and graduated from Brown in 1862.

Career 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). He served with that unit from 1863 to 1865.

He was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and the Freemasons. Sometime between 1881 and 1893, he was elected as an honorary member of the New York Society of the Cincinnati. He later transferred his membership to the Rhode Island Society of the Cincinnati.

Death and legacy Addeman died in Providence on October 13, 1930, at the age of 89 years.