Born in Montgomery County, New York, September 14, 1832. His early education was obtained in the common schools of his native county. He was brought up on the farm, gaining an experience which proved of value to him when he first settled in Iowa. Early in the spring of 1856, he followed his brother Norman to this county, and purchased and worked a tract of land in Farmersburg Township near National. At the close of the season's work he returned to New York State and entered the Albany Medical College. For a few months he read and practiced medicine with his preceptor in Albany. At the close of this engagement he returned to National and besides managing his farm practiced medicine building a very extensive building. In 1861 he married Miss Amelia Lull of Freeport, Illinois. He was elected a representative in the legislature in October 1867 and took his seat in January, 1858.