Born in Bristol, England, Little immigrated with his parents to the United States in 1846. The family settled in Morris, New York. He attended the common schools, was apprenticed to the local printer and entered a New York book-printing office to complete his trade.

Civil War edit

During the US Civil War, he served in the Union Army 1862-1864, as corporal, first sergeant, and first lieutenant.

Congress edit

Little was elected as a Democrat to the 52nd Congress to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Roswell P. Flower and served from November 3, 1891, to March 3, 1893. He was not a candidate for renomination in 1892 to the Fifty-third Congress.

Later career edit

Little served as commissioner of education and president of the Board of Education of New York City.

Little began business on his own account in a small way, having for a junior partner his former employer, Mr. Rennie. A third associate joining in the venture, the three with the combined capital of $5,000 started the printing office of Little, Rennie & Co. on Broome Street, in 1867. Being practical and hard working men they made their way by inches.

In 1873, William Jennings Demorest joined the firm and brought them the printing of his fashion papers. The business finally grew quite large and in 1871 was moved to an uptown location. In his present large quarters on Astor place, they do an enormous business in the printing of books, magazines, etc., employing about 500 persons. The present title of J. J. Little & Co. was adopted in 1876. He remained in the printing and publishing business until his death in New York City on February 11, 1913.

Death edit

He died on February 11, 1913, and was interred in Kensico Cemetery, Valhalla, New York.

Family edit

Little's son was the tennis player Raymond D. Little.

• United States Congress. "Joseph J. Little (id: L000353)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.

  This article incorporates public domain material from the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress