Born in Scotland in July, 1812. He married Miss Jane Alice Robertson on July 4, 1833, in Scotland. He came to Scott county in 1844, and settled with his wife on a farm in Winfield township. He was a representative from Scott county in the 10th and 11th General Assemblies He was county supervisor for several years. After the establishment of the state agricultural college, he was appointed superintendent of the farm, a position he held four years. In his early days he served in the township office, and was school director. He was very influential in the republican councils of the county and state, and was a delegate to the party's state convention many times.

Born in Scotland in July, 1812. He married Miss Jane Alice Robertson on July 4, 1833, in Scotland. He came to Scott county in 1844, and settled with his wife on a farm in Winfield township. He was a representative from Scott county in the 10th and 11th General Assemblies He was county supervisor for several years. After the establishment of the state agricultural college, he was appointed superintendent of the farm, a position he held four years. In his early days he served in the township office, and was school director. He was very influential in the republican councils of the county and state, and was a delegate to the party's state convention many times.