Born in Perry, N.Y., on November 7, 1833. His general education, after the course of common schools was received at the academy in that town. After leaving it he took up the study of law. He was admitted to the bar and he came to Iowa and Davenport in 1856. His record as a public man was one of honor. He never sought an office, preferring that the people seek him, which they did. For years, he was a member of the board of education as well as county attorney. Three times he was elected mayor and from 1881 to 1885 he served as senator in the state legislature. He was a staunch standby of republicanism from early manhood, but being opposed to the principles of prohibition, he withdrew from the party and in 1888, cast his first democratic vote, since which time he has upheld the principles of that party.

Born in Perry, N.Y., on November 7, 1833. His general education, after the course of common schools was received at the academy in that town. After leaving it he took up the study of law. He was admitted to the bar and he came to Iowa and Davenport in 1856. His record as a public man was one of honor. He never sought an office, preferring that the people seek him, which they did. For years, he was a member of the board of education as well as county attorney. Three times he was elected mayor and from 1881 to 1885 he served as senator in the state legislature. He was a staunch standby of republicanism from early manhood, but being opposed to the principles of prohibition, he withdrew from the party and in 1888, cast his first democratic vote, since which time he has upheld the principles of that party.