Born June 12, 1826, in Oldham, Kentucky. When eight years old his father removed to Scott County, Indiana, where he lived about twelve years, then removed to Jefferson County, and lived till 1856. His early life was spent on the farm and going to school. At the age of eighteen he began working at his trade, which he followed about twelve years. In April 1856 he arrived with his family in this county and settled on his present farm, in a log cabin. He enlisted in February 1863, in company C., Seventh Iowa Cavalry, and was engaged mostly against the Indians, in Missouri and Nebraska. He was mustered out as sergeant, in August 1864, at Omaha. He was elected on the republican ticket in 1873, to the Fifteenth General Assembly, from this county. He has served as county supervisor two years, and township trustee two years. He was married March 17, 1852, to Margaret E. Jordan, of Knox County, Indiana. They have been blessed with ten children. Mr. Monroe was a Universalist in faith.