Born at Belfast, Maine, February 26, 1821, where the first of the family in this country had settled upon their removal here from Belfast, Ireland. In his boyhood he accompanied his father to Van Buren county, Iowa, and there grew to manhood. Upon reaching years of maturity he engaged in farming and stock raising and gained a competence thereby. He was a republican and served as county treasurer and also held a number of other local offices, including that of supervisor. He was given higher honor in his election as state representative and later as state senator. His religious faith was that of the Methodist church. Mr. Durham married Lucretia Emeline Evans in Wapello county, Iowa, on May 16, 1847.

Born at Belfast, Maine, February 26, 1821, where the first of the family in this country had settled upon their removal here from Belfast, Ireland. In his boyhood he accompanied his father to Van Buren county, Iowa, and there grew to manhood. Upon reaching years of maturity he engaged in farming and stock raising and gained a competence thereby. He was a republican and served as county treasurer and also held a number of other local offices, including that of supervisor. He was given higher honor in his election as state representative and later as state senator. His religious faith was that of the Methodist church. Mr. Durham married Lucretia Emeline Evans in Wapello county, Iowa, on May 16, 1847.