Born in Dublin, Ireland, January 11, 1838. His father was a lieutenant general in the English army. After receiving his education, he was apprenticed in the Merchant Marine service of England, and spent four years on a sailing vessel, sailing three times around the world. In 1857 he came to the United States and in 1858 settled in Howard County. He engaged in the mercantile business in Vernon Springs and later in Cresco. In 1871 he was ordained to the ministry of the Congregational church. He held pastorates in Burr Oak, Postville. New Hampton, Nashua, Clinton, and McGregor. In 1900 he retired from the active ministry and returned to Cresco. He represented the 44th senatorial district, consisting of Bremer, Chickasaw and Howard counties, in the 19th and 20th General Assemblies.

Born in Dublin, Ireland, January 11, 1838. His father was a lieutenant general in the English army. After receiving his education, he was apprenticed in the Merchant Marine service of England, and spent four years on a sailing vessel, sailing three times around the world. In 1857 he came to the United States and in 1858 settled in Howard County. He engaged in the mercantile business in Vernon Springs and later in Cresco. In 1871 he was ordained to the ministry of the Congregational church. He held pastorates in Burr Oak, Postville. New Hampton, Nashua, Clinton, and McGregor. In 1900 he retired from the active ministry and returned to Cresco. He represented the 44th senatorial district, consisting of Bremer, Chickasaw and Howard counties, in the 19th and 20th General Assemblies.