Representative from Palo Alto county, was born on a farm near Brooklyn, Iowa, March 3, 1871. Parents came to Iowa in 1853, first settling in Iowa county and later in Poweshiek county, near Brooklyn. Attended school at Brooklyn and later at the State University, receiving a degree of Ph. B. in 1891. Taught school in Grinnell High School during the following year and after that was deputy clerk of Poweshiek county for four years. Studied law at Drake Law School at Des Moines and in the office of N. T. Guernsey, being admitted to practice by the Supreme Court in January, 1899, and graduating from law school the following June. After that removed to Emmetsburg, Iowa, where he has since been in active practice of his profession, now being senior member of the firm of Davidson & Burt, Emmetsburg, Iowa. Is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, being chairman of the Board of Stewards. Was elected County Attorney of Palo Alto county in the fall of 1902 and served four years. Elected Representative in 1908. A Republican in politics.