Mr. England was born in Jackson County, West Virginia, in 1868, son of A. J. S. and Mary Elizabeth (Welch) England. His father was a native of Barbour County, West Virginia, and a minister of the Methodist Church. General England spent a boyhood and youth of mingled labor and effort to advance and improve himself.

His education was largely derived from the opportunities he created. He attended public schools, the Concord Normal at Athens, West Virginia, graduating there from in 1892, and graduated with the degree Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Laws from the Southern Normal University at Huntingdon, Tennessee.

He began the practice of law at Oceana, then the county seat of Wyoming County, in the spring of 1899. From there seeking a larger field for his activities, he removed to Logan, county seat of Logan County, in 1901, and from that county his abilities as a successful lawyer have gained him recognition throughout practically the entire state. Mr. England served as mayor of Logan in 1903 and in 1908 and again in 1912 was elected to the State Senate. He was a leader in the work of the Senate for eight years, and in 1915 was elected president of the Senate.

In 1916 he was elected on the state republican ticket as attorney general, and in 1920 was re-elected by an increased majority. During the last six years the law department of the state has been burdened with an unprecedented amount of business, both domestic and Federal relations. It was during General England's administration that the Virginia-West Virginia debt settlement was negotiated and finally cleared up. During his term occurred the World war, and there were many matters growing out of the war period that were assigned to his office. During the war General England was a member of the State Council of Defense, and as a Four Minute Man his services were enlisted as a speaker in all the campaigns and drives for war purposes.

General England is widely known over the state as an official of the Knights of Pythias. During 1920-21 he was grand chancellor of the order for West Virginia, and is now a junior vice grand chancellor. He is also affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Elks and Loyal Order of Moose, and is a member of the Kiwanis Club of Charleston.

General England has his official headquarters at the state capitol, and his residence at Logan. He married Miss Leoma Lemburg, and their three children are Arline, Max and Majorie.