He was educated at Westfield High School and graduated from Hamilton College in 1881.
He had interests in railroad companies, and operated a marble and granite works, a box factory and various other enterprises in and around Westfield.
In 1884, he was elected Trustee of the Village of Westfield. In 1886, he was elected Supervisor of the Town of Westfield. Later he was elected Chairman of the Chautauqua County Board of Supervisors for 14 annual terms.