Eminent civic benefactor, whose untiring efforts to bring to his community the institutions that made it progressive and a growing city, Joel B. Dow has many monuments that perpetuate his memory.

He was an attorney for 48 years in Beloit, and few early residents took a greater part in the establishment of industry, civic and religious development.

He was born September 2, 1843, in Vermont. He came here in his youth and he was graduated from Beloit College in 1869. First a newspaper editor, he helped to organize the Beloit Journal in 1873. He was admitted to the bar a year later.

He had a vision of Beloit in the future, and his diligence and work was realized in obtaining the Carnegie Public Library. He had an important part in the establishment of Horace White Park, and he was responsible for instituting the traction company, and he was its president.

His interest and determination influenced the location of the Yates-American Machine Company in Beloit. He was highly patriotic, and he directed the campaign that secured the monument commemorating heroes of the Civil War in Oakwood Cemetery.

He was the leader in the movement that established the Church of Christ, Scientist.

He died April 21, 1922.