He graduated from University of Rochester in 1857.[1] While there, he was a member of the Fraternity of Delta Psi (St. Anthony Hall).[1] He was admitted to the bar in 1858, and became a clerk in the law office of Gardner & Lamont in Lockport.
In August 1861 he raised a company of cavalry which became part of the 7th Regiment of Volunteer Cavalry and became its captain. In March 1862, he joined the staff of General James S. Wadsworth where he remained until the general's death in May 1864. He finished the American Civil War as a colonel, and returned to Lockport where he formed a partnership with George D. Lamont until the latter was appointed to the New York Supreme Court.
From 1870 to 1878, he was Collector of Customs at the Lockport Suspension Bridge.