Representative from Poweshiek county, born near Hartwick, Iowa, March 3, 1897, son of J. L. and Lizzie A. McIlrath. Graduated Grinnell high school in 1913, and Iowa State College in 1919. Chose live stock auctioneering as a profession in 1917. Volunteered for army service May 11, 1918. Discharged November 26, 1918. Made trip to France in 1919 in charge of shipment of 750 dairy cattle for French government. Married Gay M. Huston, of Grinnell, January 12, 1920. They have three children, Mildred, Paul and Margaret. Following the deflation he supplemented his sale work with other business activities. Editor of the Brooklyn Chronicle, September, 1923, to January, 1927. Member Congregational church, K. of P. and Masonic lodges, and Officers Reserve Corps, U.S. Army. Elected on republican ticket in 1926, succeeding his father. Re-elected in 1928.

Representative from Poweshiek county, born near Hartwick, Iowa, March 3, 1897, son of J. L. and Lizzie A. McIlrath. Graduated from Grinnell high school in 1913, and from Iowa state college in 1919. Voluntarily enlisted in army, May 11, 1918. Appointed sergeant, then first sergeant, and was discharged and commissioned lieutenant in field artillery reserve, November 26, 1918. Engaged in auctioneering beginning 1917. Made trip to France in 1919 in charge of shipment of 750 dairy cattle for French government. Associated several years in horse breeding business and in management of cooperative elevator. Married to Gay M. Huston of Grinnell, January 12, 1920. They have two children, Mildred and Paul. Following the deflation he supplemented his sale work becoming editor of the Brooklyn Chronicle, president commercial club and commander American Legion post. Member Congregational church, Masonic and Knights of Pythias lodges, officers' reserve corps, farm bureau, and Gamma Sigma Delta honorary agricultural fraternity. Elected on republican ticket in 1926, succeeding his father.