Born in Chambersburg, Franklin county, Pennsylvania, October 23, 1843. In 1856 he removed with his parents to Iowa living one year in Muscatine county. In 1857 they removed to western Linn county. At the age of 17 he enlisted in the union army and for four years and three months fought for his county's flag. He was a member of the second Iowa Cavalry, and was a prominent member of the veteran's association. Returning from the war he studied medicine and graduated from Rush Medical college locating at Blairstown, Iowa. In 1871 he married Miss Virginia Swinney. He always took a prominent part in public and political affairs and was a leading member of the Republican party. He served the county in the Eighteen General Assembly, 1880. He was a member of the Railway Surgeons, the State medical association, the I. O. O. F., and the Knights Templar Commandery. He was a member of the Brethren Church.