Son of Lieutenant S. G. McAchran and Sarah Lee McAchran. His father was a member of the state Senate in 1852. When the rebellion commenced he and all the members of his household that were old enough (six in all) volunteered. He died in the service. William H. was born at Shelbyville, Illinois, October 26, 1847, and was brought by his parents to Bloomfield, Iowa, when 7 months old. He has resided there since. He was educated in the public schools of that city. Farmed three years, and at the age of 18 entered the drug business, in which he is still engaged, being continuous in that line for twenty-nine years. In 1873 he was married to Miss Flora J. Clayton. They have two daughters. Mary and Ruth. Mr. McAchran has always been a consistent Republican, never allowing side issues to draw him from the main principles of the party. He was never a candidate for office before and is the first Republican elected to the House from Davis county for twenty years.