Representative from Shelby county, was born December 13, 1871, on a farm in Dodge county, Nebraska. His parents came from Denmark and were among the earliest settlers in that part of Nebraska. He acquired his education in the rural schools. At the age of eighteen he attended Elkhorn College in Shelby county, Iowa. Taught school for a year, then took up preparatory work. Entered the University of Nebraska in 1894 and graduated from the college of liberal arts in 1899. He devoted part of his time to military training and on graduation was granted a commission by the governor of Nebraska as a lieutenant of the national guard. Later he purchased the Harlan American, which he edited for six years, then served four years as county auditor of Shelby county. Afterwards he became secretary and treasurer of the Nelson Gas Company of Harlan. Married Miss Anna Nelson of Lincoln, Nebraska, in 1900. Elected representative in 1912. A democrat in politics.