Josiah E. Fernald (1856-1949) was born in Loudon, New Hampshire, and died in Concord, New Hampshire. He graduated from Pittsfield Academy in Pittsfield, New Hampshire, and in 1875 moved to Concord where he was employed by the National State Capital Bank for his entire career, rising from messenger to president, a position he held for 44 years. He married Anna W. Fernald (b. White) in Concord in 1888. Fernald served as director of several Concord industries, including Concord Axel Company, New England Cable Company, Capital Fire Insurance Company, Abbott-Downing Company, New Hampshire Centennial Home for the Aged, and the Concord Board of Trade. He was instrumental in founding the Concord Chamber of Commerce and was also the treasurer and trustee of Colby Junior College in New London, New Hampshire. Fernald served as Mary Baker Eddy's banker and financial advisor for many years, and she appointed him a trustee of her estate in 1907, a position he held until his death. He also administered her estate after her passing. In 1899 Fernald was awarded a medal for gallantry in saving life by the Humane Society of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

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