Representative of Wayne county, was born in Ohio, August 12, 1852. In 1864 he moved with his parents to Wayne county, Iowa, where they settled on a farm of 640 acres of raw prairie land. The town of Humeston, Iowa, was named by the Burlington railway officials in honor of Mr. Humeston's father, Alva Humeston, senior. He was educated at the Garden Grove academy conducted by the late R. A. Harkness. Commenced teaching at the age of 15 and taught for five years. Served as mayor, assessor, postmaster, member of city council, and member of school board for 24 years. Principal activities in life: grain, seed, and coal dealer and shipper of live stock. Retired from active business in 1931 when he sold his interest in firm of Alva Humeston & Sons to Clarence S. and Charles Humeston, who now conduct the business under the name of Humeston Brothers. He has been married twice and is the father of seven children, four boys and three girls, all married and successful in life. Serving first term in the legislature. A democrat.