Representative from Jasper county, was born in the county which he represents December 20, 1873. His early education was received in the rural schools and on the farm. At the age of twenty he entered Simpson College. When war was declared with Spain, he enlisted with the 5lst Iowa Volunteer Regiment and went to the Philippine Islands. He was selected by his regiment to serve with General Bell's famous divisional scouting party, where he remained until his regiment's return to the United States. Upon his return home he served in the bank as assistant cashier for three years. He then entered the general mercantile business with his brother, at which he continued for five years. He then bought the farm pre-empted by his grandfather. He continued on the farm until 1925 when he traded for and moved to a forty-six acre tract in Newton, Iowa, and engaged in dairying. Two years later he was elected to the city council from the first ward, which position he held until elected to the forty-third general assembly.