A more thorough statesman than Senator N. M. Pusey, the Twenty-sixth General Assembly did not possess. When Senator Pusey was elected by the Pottawattamie republicans to the senate in 1895, it was the first time that county had had a republican senator for many years. He is a native of Pennsylvania, born in Washington county, June 21, 1841. He was raised and educated in Baltimore, Md., where his parents moved when he was a lad of eight years. He attended the Light Street institute, one of the best private schools of Baltimore. On the completion of the course in this school, he read law for three years in the office of Henry Stockbridge, and was admitted to the practice of the profession in March, 1863. As Maryland is a common law state, it became necessary for Senator Pusey, during the fourteen years he practiced in Baltimore, to familiarize himself thoroughly with the principles of the common law, and the practice and proceedings in the common law courts. When he removed to Iowa he as thoroughly made himself familiar with the code of this state, and the proceedings of the courts. It was said on many occasions last assembly that no man was so familiar with the code of the state as Senator Pusey, it being a sort of intense study with him. He has been a resident of Council Bluffs for twenty years, where he enjoys an extensive practice. In 1884 he became a partner of the late Col. W. P. Sapp, which partnership lasted until the death of the colonel in 1890. Senator Pusey is a member of the Society of Friends. He was married to Anna J. Wright September 14, 1892. To them has been born one child. There are three children by a former wife. Mrs. Pusey was popular socially in legislative circles the past two winters. As a member of the committee on ways and means, Senator Pusey rendered valuable aid, and during the ten days that measure was under consideration in the senate, he conducted and took a prominent part in all the discussions. As a member of the committee on insurance, he bore the brunt of the fight in the numerous contests over that bill. His services were equally valuable as a member of the cities and towns committee, especially on the chapters on the very important subjects of street improvements, bonds and taxation. He is an aggressive fighter in legislative matters, well-liked, highly respected, and a conscientious politician. He was chairman of the committee on federal relations, and served on the committees on ways and means, cities and towns, insurance, banks, pharmacy, and code revision.

For the first time in years Pottawattamie county is represented in the Senate by a Republican. Nathan Marsh Pusey was born on a farm in Washington county. Pennsylvania, June 21, 1841. At the age of 8 years he removed with his parents to Baltimore, Maryland. He was there educated at Light Street Institute, one of the best private schools in the city. On the completion of his education he read law for three years in the office of Henry Stockbridge, Esq., one of the most prominent lawyers at the Baltimore bar. He was admitted to practice in March, 1863, when he entered at once upon the duties of his profession and in a short time took a high position at that bar for one of his age. In April; 1877, he removed with his family to Council Bluffs, Iowa, where he has ever since continued to reside and practice his profession. In January, 1884, he formed a law partnership with the late Colonel W. F. Sapp, under the firm name of Sapp & Pusey, which firm continued until dissolved by the death of Colonel Sapp in November, 1890. In 1893 Mr. Pusey was unanimously nominated by the Republicans as one of their candidates for Representative, and, although the majority to be overcome by him was over 1,200, he was defeated by only 140 votes. In 1895 he was nominated by the Republicans of Pottawattamie county as their candidate for the state Senate and was elected by a plurality of 1,051 votes. Mr. Pusey has always been a stalwart Republican. As Maryland is a common law state, it became necessary for Mr. Pusey during his fourteen years' practice in Baltimore, to become thoroughly familiar with the principles of the common law, and the practice and proceedings in common law courts; and during his nineteen years' practice in Iowa, it became alike necessary for him to study and thoroughly master code law, practice and proceedings. Mr. Pusey is thorough in whatever he undertakes and by reason of his characteristic in that respect, and his knowledge of the common law, the code and the decisions of the courts, he is fully equipped to take part in the Legislature, in all matters coming before it, especially the revision of the code of Iowa, which is the most important measure that will come up this winter.