Born at Monmouth, Illinois, December 2, 1836. He was raised on a farm and received his primary education in the common schools. When of sufficient age and advancement in educational matters, he entered the college in his native town where he received a classical course, and later, a theological course. In the spring of 1867 he was licensed to preach, and the following year came to Ringgold county, Iowa, where he was called to take the pastor ship of a congregation. The year after his arrival in Iowa, he was ordained a minister of the United Presbyterian church. Since his first advent in Iowa he has made his home continuously in Ringgold county. He entered the U. S. service in 1864, joined the 138th Illinois Infantry Company, "A" and served till the close of the war. In 1857 he was married to Miss Sarah Ralston, of Monmouth, Illinois. They have five children, two sons and three daughters. He is serving his first term in the Legislature. His politics are Republican.

Born at Monmouth, Illinois, December 2, 1836. He was raised on a farm and received his primary education in the common schools. When of sufficient age and advancement in educational matters, he entered the college in his native town where he received a classical course, and later, a theological course. In the spring of 1867 he was licensed to preach, and the following year came to Ringgold county, Iowa, where he was called to take the pastor ship of a congregation. The year after his arrival in Iowa, he was ordained a minister of the United Presbyterian church. Since his first advent in Iowa he has made his home continuously in Ringgold county. He entered the U. S. service in 1864, joined the 138th Illinois Infantry Company, "A" and served till the close of the war. In 1857 he was married to Miss Sarah Ralston, of Monmouth, Illinois. They have five children, two sons and three daughters. He is serving his first term in the Legislature. His politics are Republican.