He was about seven years of age when the family moved to Wisconsin. Subsequently he went East to be educated and for a long time was engaged in teaching in Kenosha, Wisconsin.Not being strong enough to withstand the lake breezes, he move to Henry County Illinois, where he resided for twenty years. Forced to give up teaching on account of his health, he moved to Fontenella, Iowa, in 1882, where he resided on a farm until about 1900 when he retired to Fontenelle where he lived until his death. He was a man of bright and active mind, and interested at all times in public affairs.
Also is said to have been born in Vermont