He had been a member of the Iowa legislature, was a Justice of the Peace, and had held other offices.

He was an excellent stump speaker and was often called upon to canvass the country round about for different candidates.

The convention which he was attending at the time of the accident was being held at a cross-road tavern called "Sherman's," about a mile away.
Samuel and I had gone out together on horseback for the cows.

He rode a vicious mare, which mother had told him time and again not to ride, as it had an ugly disposition.

We were passing the school house just as the children were being dismissed, when Samuel undertook to give an exhibition of his horsemanship, he being a good rider for a boy.