Representative from Madison county, was born on a farm near Truro, Madison county, Iowa, August 4, 1881, of American parentage. Attended rural schools, graduated at St. Charles High School, 1902, and afterwards attended Drake University at Des Moines, Iowa, for a short time. Lived on a farm until age of twenty-three, taught in the rural schools of his county and served as principal of Truro graded schools. Was appointed deputy clerk district court of Madison county, Iowa, in 1905, and afterwards was elected clerk of the district court of his county for two terms. Was married to Sadie Louise Shirk of Springville, Iowa, January 3, 1912. He is a member of the Masonic lodge and Knights of Pythias. Was elected high priest of Lebanon Royal Arch Chapter of Winterset, Iowa, in 1911 and re-elected in 1912. Has served as president of the Madison County Chautauqua Association for two years and has been secretary of Madison County Historical Society for several years. Elected representative in 1912. A republican in politics.