Representative-elect of Chariton, Lucas county, is numbered among the native sons of Iowa, his birth having occurred at Eddyville, Wapello county, February 9, 1854. Mr. Penick, after completing the studies in the Chariton schools entered Simpson college at Indianola, and later the Iowa Wesleyan university, from which he graduated with the degree of B. S. in 1874. Upon the completion of his literary course he entered the law office of Stuart & Bartholomew of Chariton, and three years later was admitted to the bar. Mr. Penick formed a partnership with Judge J. C. Mitchell, which existed till 1891, when the judge removed to Ottumwa, since which time Mr. Penick has practiced alone. It is said that as an orator and successful lawyer he has no superior in Lucas county. He was married to Miss Ida H. Ware, of Illinois, and by the marriage there are two children, Lloyd and Raymond. With his wife Mr. Penick attends the Methodist church. He is prominent in Masonic circles, having taken the Knight Templar degree. In politics he is a democrat, and one of the leaders in the councils of the party in his county. He was a delegate to the national convention in Cincinnati in 1880, and was one of the voters in the nomination of Gen. W. S. Hancock for president. Twice before, he has been a candidate for the legislature, but owing to the strong republican majority in the county he was defeated, and his election last fall is a compliment to him.