Representative from Pocahontas county, was born in Jo Daviess county, Illinois, August 25, 1848. He was educated in the public schools and finished his schooling in Galena high school. In 1869 was married to Mary C. Pulley. Began his career as a farmer and still continues in that occupation. Settled in Pocahontas county in 1881 on the farm which is still his home. Was for years a breeder of fine stock, notably the Hereford cattle. Was sheriff of his county for eight years and held other offices of trust continuously. Invented a garden hoe unlike any other in use and secured a patent thereon in 1908. His wife having died in 1905, he married Mrs. Kate Henderson Melson of Rolfe, Iowa, in 1908. Elected Representative in 1908. A Republican in politics.