Monona and Ida counties will be represented this session by a man of sterling worth, Hon. J. M. Hathaway, of Onawa. He was born in Council Bluffs, Iowa, April 17, 1855, and this state has always been his home. He was married June 18, 1879, to Miss Clara B. Normand. There are six children, four girls and two boys. Mr. Hathaway moved to Monona county in 1856, and with the exception of a year and a half in Florida and a year in California, it has been his home. He was in his earlier business career a farmer and apiarist. His political life has been rather of the independent order. Cast his first vote for Peter Cooper for president in 1876. In the campaign of 1896 he was for Bryan. In this fall's campaign he was with the people's party, believing strongly in most of the new democratic principles, and to that party owes his election as representative of the Fifty-seventh district. That he is a very popular man in his community is attested by his political standing. From 1892 to 1896 he was treasurer of Monona county; member of the Onawa town council three years; member of school board three years, and several township offices. Last March Mr. Hathaway was elected mayor of his town, which office he is filling with much credit to himself and finding favor with the townspeople. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., Modern Woodmen of America and Woodmen of the World lodges. A member of no church. Coming as he does from one of the richest agricultural districts in Iowa, Mr. Hathaway will be interested in legislation pertaining to benefits to Monona and Ida counties. With his knowledge of political affairs he will bring into the democratic element of the lower house a spirit of progress.