Born August 14, 1816, in Rockingham, New Hampshire, and lived in that State for thirty-eight years. He received his fine education at Dartmouth College. In 1840 he commenced teaching, and taught in Massachusetts, then for fourteen years in Hampton Academy. In 1855 he settled in Davis county. He was a classmate of Gov. Grimes, and came to this State by his advice, to take a position in the Iowa City schools, but after he arrived he changed his mind and accepted the position of principal of Troy Academy, where he remained for eight years. By his energy and ability in that time he built up a school second to none in southern Iowa. He was a senior partner in the firm of Norris & Co., doing a large business in general merchandise, drugs, etc., at Troy, and is also the postmaster. He was married in June, 1856, to Mrs. Mary D. Miller, widow of Dr. Miller, of this county. He is a republican, and was elected on that ticket to the Thirteenth General Assembly from this county.