A native of the state, having been born at Salem, Henry county, September 28, 1855. Being thrown upon his own resources at an early age by the death of his father, he learned the printer's trade, working at the case for several years, and attending school while not thus engaged. He then spent some time in teaching school until he had secured the means with which to take a law course at the State university, graduating from the law department of that institution in 1880. After being admitted to the bar, he returned to Salem and commenced the practice of law, joining with it the management of the Salem Weekly News. At this time he was elected mayor of Salem, and was re-elected for two additional terms. In 1885 he was nominated by the republicans of Henry county for the legislature and was elected. The nomination came to him unasked. He declined a renomination, choosing rather to give his whole time to his profession. In 1887 he removed to Mt. Pleasant, forming a law partnership with Judge W. J. Jeffries, which continued up to the death of the latter. In 1894 he associated himself in practice with W. F. Kopp under the firm name of Withrow & Kopp. January 1, 1895, Judge W. I. Babb connected himself with the firm, the partnership then becoming Babb, Withrow & Kopp. Mr. Kopp retired the same year and the firm of Babb & Withrow continued until the appointment of Mr. Withrow as judge. This appointment was made by Governor Drake, after the Twentieth judicial district was created by the general assembly, and after Mr. Withrow had been nominated by the republicans of the district as their candidate for judge. His work upon the bench after his appointment was endorsed by the voters of his district, in his election by a large majority for the full term of four years. Judge Withrow's business and professional career, both in Salem and Mt. Pleasant has been very successful and during his practice he was connected with practically all of the important litigation in Henry county. He is a staunch republican and was a delegate in the national convention in 1892, from the First congressional district. He is a trustee of the Iowa Wesleyan university, and a member of the executive committee of the board, and was for four years president of the board of education in Mt. Pleasant. He was married June 17, 1885, to Anna A. Webb, daughter of Rev. W. W. Webb, of Mankato, Minn.