Born February 6, 1805, in Bourbon county, Kentucky. His parents moved to Preble county, Ohio, in 1807. He was educated in the common schools, and came to Wayne county, Indiana, in 1823, where he served an apprenticeship of three years and worked at his trade till 1832, when he went to Warren county, Indiana, remaining there until 1839, at which time he came to this county. He was married February 1, 1837 to Miss Susan Pringle, a native of Clark county, Ohio. In 1840 he was elected county commissioner, and in 1845 he was elected organizing sheriff of the county. He has held various offices in the township including justice of the peace for twelve years. He was one of the oldest settlers in the county. He organized the first Lodge of Sons of Temperance in time county. He was elected a member of the Ninth General Assembly, of Iowa, from his district, and is an active member of the Christian Church.