Representative from Adair county, was born at Coldsprings, Ontario, Canada, November 21, 1862, of Scotch and Irish descendants. His education was acquired in the common schools of Canada, afterwards in the printing office. At the age of fourteen years he came with his parents to Greenfield, Adair county, Iowa; soon afterwards he went to Creston, where he finished his apprenticeship in the printing office. For two years worked in Chicago and Boston. Returning to Creston, Iowa, bought the Commonwealth, a weekly newspaper. Conducted it for two years as a weekly and seven years as a daily and weekly. Disposed of the Commonwealth, which was merged into the Daily Advertiser of that city. While in Creston served as city clerk and clerk of the superior court for two years. In 1889 he founded the Adair County Democrat (now Adair County Free Press) and has been publisher of that paper since. In 1904 he was selected by his party to represent the Ninth Congressional district in the national democratic convention held in St. Louis. He is president of the Commercial Club of Greenfield and takes an active part in the progress of his town and county. Elected representative in 1906. Re-elected in 1912. A democrat in politics.

Representative from Adair county. Born at Coldsprings, Ontario, Canada, of Scotch and Irish descendants. His education was acquired in the common schools of Canada, afterwards in the printing office. At the age of fourteen years he came with his parents to Greenfield, Adair county, Iowa; soon afterwards he went to Creston, where he finished his apprenticeship in the printing office. For two years worked in Chicago and Boston. Returning to Creston, Iowa, bought the Commonwealth, a weekly newspaper. Conducted it for two years as a weekly and seven years as a daily and weekly. Disposed of the Commonwealth, which was merged into the Daily Advertiser of that city. While in Creston served as city clerk and clerk of the superior court for two years. In 1889 he founded the Adair County Democrat and has been publisher of that newspaper ever since. In 1904 he was selected by his party to represent the Ninth Congressional District in the national Democratic convention held in St. Louis. He is president of the Commercial Club of Greenfield and takes an active part in the progress of his town and county. Elected Representative in 1906. A Democrat in politics.