Born in Canada April 16, 1824. He attended school until 18 years of age when he began teaching, which he continued for six years; then attended a university in Canada for two years. He then married Miss Mary Ann Van Atta, and in 1850 immigrated to Iowa. They settled in Bloomfield Township and remained there until 1854. In 1856 he was elected justice of the peace and in 1861 was elected county judge. He has also filled many other county offices. In 1873 he was elected to the state legislature and served one term. The Judge has a fine farm situated two miles northeast of Ossian. Later Judge De Cou was member of the board of supervisors for Military Township, when each township supplied a member. He was the board's chairman and was one of a small committee that settled the site for the present county farm. Mr. De Cou was a life-long Democrat. He was highly esteemed by friend and foe alike.