Representative from Keokuk county, was born of English and American parentage on a farm in Kendall county, Illinois, November 25, 1853. Attended rural district schools. Left farm at twenty, came to Iowa in 1874, to Keokuk county in 1884. At age of twenty-one entered employ of Chicago and Northwestern Ry. as telegraph operator, occupying various positions in station service until 1887 when he resigned to become cashier of What Cheer Savings Bank. This position he still retains. Has been twice married, now a widower. Elected representative in 1918. A republican in politics, always.