Josiah Oldfield was born at Ryton, Shropshire, on 28 February 1863 and graduated BA in theology in 1885. He then trained as a barrister at Lincoln’s Inn and practised on the Oxford circuit. He was the Senior Physician to the Lady Margaret Hospital, Bromley.
Dr. Oldfield has for the past 30 years been a total abstainer from flesh-food and one of the most devoted and prominent workers for the furtherance of the Food-Reformation. His literary contribution to the principal magazines and newspapers, advocating Fruitarianism and the Humane Life, have been very numerous and he is well known as a lecturer throughout Great Britain.
Herald of the Golden Age, April 1913
For a fascinating history of his life, see Rosemary Dellar, Josiah Oldfield: Eminent Fruitarian (Raynham: Rainmore Books, 2008)