Born in Washington, Guernsey County, Ohio, on February 8, 1824. At an early age he moved to Belmont County, Ohio, and worked at his trade, that of a wagon and carriage maker, He was married there on August 19, 1852, to Miss Rebecca Hatcher. In March, 1857, they came to Iowa and located on a farm in Jackson Township, where they lived ten years and then moved to Chariton. He conducted a general merchandise store here for several years and became widely known throughout the county. In 1853 he was elected representative from this county to the state legislature, and for twelve years he served the people as member of the board of supervisors. These positions of public trust were ably filled and in a manner which reflected great credit upon him. He was a member of the I.O.O.F.