Representative from Hamilton county, was born on a farm near London, Canada, April 8, 1852. His father's parents were Scotch, his grandfather being educated in the schools of Glasgow, while those of his mother were American. An ancestor of his grandmother, named Farrar, came over in the Mayflower. He was one of a family of eighteen children. Attended school at London and graduated from the Middlesex Seminary in the class of '69. For the next four years taught school and in 1873 removed to Hamilton county, Iowa. Began life in the new home by working on the farm and teaching school. In 1874 purchased a quarter-section of land, on which he now resides, and for the next ten years farmed during the summer months and taught school during the winter. In November, 1875, married Miss M. F. Everett, who came from Virginia, and to them have been born seven children. In 1883 was elected County Auditor of Hamilton county, which position he held for two terms. Was then elected County Superintendent of Schools, which position he also held two terms. At the expiration of his term of office as Superintendent, he returned to his old home in Jewell and helped organize the State Bank of Jewell. From 1896 to 1899 was cashier of the First National Bank of Webster City. In 1899 moved to Jewell and assumed active management of the State Bank, becoming its president. Resides on the farm and is also acting head of the bank. Elected Representative in 1906 and re-elected in 1908. A Republican in politics.

Representative from Hamilton county, was born on a farm near London, Canada. His father's parents were Scotch, while those of his mother were American. He was one of a family of eighteen children. He attended school near London and graduated from the Middlesex Seminary with the class of 1869. For the next four years after graduation he taught school and in 1873 he removed to Hamilton county, Iowa, and began life in his new home by working on a farm and teaching school. In 1874 he purchased the quarter section of land on which he now resides and for the next ten years he farmed during the summer months and taught school during the winters. In November, 1875, he married Miss M. F. Everet and to them have been born seven children. In 1883 he was elected county auditor of Hamilton county, which position he held for two terms. He was then elected county superintendent of schools, which he also held two terms. On the expiration of his term of office as superintendent of schools he moved back to his old home of Jewell and was one of the organizers of the State Bank of Jewell. He was cashier of this bank until 1896, when he moved to Webster City and became cashier of the First National bank of that city. In 1899 he moved back to Jewell and assumed the active management of the State Bank of Jewell, becoming its president at a later date. Elected Representative in 1906. A Republican in politics.