A native of Tyringham, Mass., and was born October 18, 1811. When quite a young man he came west stopping at Quincy, Ill. In that city, in 1850, he was married to Miss Emily Corr, The following year they removed to Keokuk and he was one of the city's foremost citizens. At first he engaged in the harness and saddlery business but soon afterward his ability was recognized and the greater portion of his succeeding life was devoted to political matters. In 1852, 1853, and 1854 he was mayor of the city and served with distinction. He was city clerk and collector for many years and for a long series of years continually served as assessor for city and county purposes. He was a staunch republican and one of the most untiring workers for party success in Iowa. He represented Lee County in the Tenth General Assembly, 1864. He was a member of the Odd Fellows Keokuk Lodge No. 13, and filled all the chairs in the subordinate body.