Born in Livingston County, New York, on the 24th of February, 1814. Until 16 years of age he was taught the common branches of an education by his father, when he was sent to the Genesee Wesleyan Seminary, situated at Lima, New York, to be fitted for the ministry. He also studied law under James Butler, a cousin of Gen. Butler. At the age of 21 he became acquainted with Julia Stone, to whom he was married September, 1836. He immigrated to Winneshiek County in October, 1851, and settled on the S.W. Q. of Section 15, Township 97. He has served the public as Prosecuting Attorney and Member of the Assembly. In 1854, at a District Convention called at Waukon (the district then was composed of Allamakee and Winneshiek Counties) he was nominated for Representative, and elected. In the Legislature he favored the "Maine Liquor Law," which was adopted by the Iowa State Legislature. In this election he ran on the Republican ticket, which was successful, not only in the district, but throughout the State, so much so that the former power held by the Democrats was wrested from them.