Born in the state of North Carolina, February 8, 1803. He moved to Ohio at an early age, thence to Morgan Co., Indiana, where he married Miss Rachel Coffin and resided until 1836. During his residence there he was county Auditor for several terms in succession and was known not only at home but throughout the state, as a shrewd and influential politician, whose opinions were highly respected and whose ability on the stump and at the polls contributed largely to the success of his party. He moved to Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, in 1856, and thence in a short time after to Clark Co. where for a number of years he was chairman of the county Board, and represented the county in the state assembly in 1868. He has been actively engaged in some business all his life.