A native of Canada West, and was born in Leeds County, April 13, 1815. His father, Ebenezer Washburn, was a native of Vermont, and came of an old family who were prominent in the early politics of the United States. Horace Washburn came into Iowa in 1842, making his first location in Charleston Township, this county, but shortly thereafter removed into Des Moines Township. He had received careful training from his excellent parents and had acquired habits of industry and economy and, after coming here set himself industriously to work, to establish a home and to become a man among men. His efforts, especially as regards the latter, were attended with success. One of his first ventures was the erection of a sawmill, with a grist attachment. This he bad operated only a short time when it was destroyed by fire, and involved great loss to Mr. W. He soon, however, recovered from this disaster, and then turned his attention to the pursuit of agriculture, in which he was fairly successful. Mr. Washburn was married at Nauvoo, Ill., to Miss Caroline Mott, a native of the Dominion, and of the same county as himself: The faithful wife and mother departed this life at her home in this township, in about 1856, on the 10th of March. Mr. Washburn's second marriage was solemnized with Miss Lydia A. Hutchinson, a native of Ohio. In politics Mr. Washburn was formerly a Republican, but considered that he had reason to change his views, and now casts his vote with the Democratic party. He has represented his county in the State Legislature for one term, with great credit to himself and satisfaction to all concerned. Mr. Washburn is a striking example of what a young man with strong hands and habits of industry may accomplish. He has been mainly self-educated, and has made the most of his opportunities in life.