Representative from Polk county. Born in Pike county, Ohio, of American-born parentage. His parents moved in 1882 to Altoona, Polk county, Iowa, where he received his education in the public schools. At eighteen he became a teacher and later he became editor and proprietor of the Altoona Herald. He was married in 1891 to Kate Simpkins, who died in 1905, leaving three small sons to his care. For two years past he has devoted his time to real estate, having specialized on the sale of Canadian lands, where he has some landed interests. He resides and operates a farm at Altoona. Was first deputy sheriff of Polk county under George W. Mattern from 1900 to 1904 and during that time served two years as secretary and treasurer of the State Sheriffs' Association of Iowa. Has held the offices of city clerk, president of school board and various city and township offices. Elected Representative in 1906. A Republican in politics.