Was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, March 14, 1824. He was reared upon the farm, and divided his time between farm work and his attendance upon the common schools of the county. In 1851 he came to Daviess county as an agent for some heirs to settle up an estate; was in the real estate and collection business for several years. In 1861 he began farming, and has since given his attention to agricultural pursuits and stock-raising.
Mr. Speaker was united in marriage, on the 14th of March, 1861, to Miss Martha J. Haven. The date of her birth was July 30, 1840. By this union -they have three children, whose names are, John D., born August 14,1862 Mary, born May 2, 1867; and William P., born November 28, 1869.
