Born in Frankfort, Kentucky, Settle attended the public schools.

He was admitted to the bar in 1870 and commenced practice in Owenton, Kentucky.

Settle was elected prosecuting attorney of Owen County in 1878, 1882, and 1886.

Settle was elected as a Democrat to the Fifty-fifth and Fifty-sixth Congresses and served from March 4, 1897, until his death in Owenton, Kentucky, November 16, 1899.

This article incorporates public domain material from the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress