Born in Le Havre, France, January 22, 1855. His parents were natives of Switzerland and were in route to this country at the time of his birth. He traveled on a sailing vessel and the baby William was six weeks old when they arrived in America. They were farming people and located in Bremer County, near Sumner. Here he resided until manhood and received his education in the public schools of that county. He was engaged in farming and all through his life. He was married to Emma A. Robison, November 1, 1881. Their first home was in Oelwein, where he was engaged in the grain and livestock business. Later they removed to Lawler, and during this time he was very active in politics and was State Representative from Chickasaw county for two terms, and also postmaster of Lawler for a time. He was a member of the Presbyterian church, superintendent of the Sunday school, president of the County Sunday School Association, Afton Lodge No. 151 A. F. & A. M., and the local Woodsman lodge.

Born in Le Havre, France, January 22, 1855. His parents were natives of Switzerland and were in route to this country at the time of his birth. He traveled on a sailing vessel and the baby William was six weeks old when they arrived in America. They were farming people and located in Bremer County, near Sumner. Here he resided until manhood and received his education in the public schools of that county. He was engaged in farming and all through his life. He was married to Emma A. Robison, November 1, 1881. Their first home was in Oelwein, where he was engaged in the grain and livestock business. Later they removed to Lawler, and during this time he was very active in politics and was State Representative from Chickasaw county for two terms, and also postmaster of Lawler for a time. He was a member of the Presbyterian church, superintendent of the Sunday school, president of the County Sunday School Association, Afton Lodge No. 151 A. F. & A. M., and the local Woodsman lodge.