Born at Mansfield, Ohio, May 1, 1830. At an early age he determined to make the profession of Law his life work. With his purpose in mind he entered the Cincinnati Law school, gradating at the unusually early age of seventeen. He was so young that he could not be admitted to the bar at that time. His youth being the only hindrance, he entered a law office until his age would permit his admission to the bar. In 1849 the hold fields of California made such a strong appeal to Mr. Hedges that he went there with many others to seek fortune in the west. In the year 1859, he came to Iowa county. He was married to Miss Ellen Rush, in September 1864. Judge Hedges has a long and eventful career. He heard his country's call in the sixties and entered the service of the war of the Rebellion as captain of the seventh volunteer infantry of Iowa. His ability was soon recognized and won for him the promotion to Military Judge Advocate. Not did his ability escape the people of Iowa after the war was over. He was soon recognized as a natural leader, and served his senatorial district as their representative in the 18th general assembly. During his term as senator, his genius as a interpreter of law and an administrator of justice were soon recognized and won for him the judgeship of the circuit court of the eighth district.