Born in Indiana March 1, 1839, and was one of a large family of children, eight sons and three daughters. His father died in 1851 and the next year, with his widowed mother, he came to Clarke County. In July, 1861, he enlisted in defense of his country and served thru the war in Co. F. Sixth Iowa Infantry being promoted to the position of first lieutenant in the latter part of the war serving as such until mustered out in July of 1865. After the war he returned to Osceola, attended Bryant & Stratton's Commercial College, and later taught school for two years. He was elected auditor of the county and served until 1874. For the next four years he was in the grocery business and then was again chosen auditor serving seven terms. He next served a term in legislature as representative from this district and was census director for the Eighth district in 1900. In 1902 he was again chosen auditor, serving two terms. He held the record for length of service as a county official in Clarke County. He was married in August to Nancy L. Key of this county and to this union was born four children.