He attended the common schools; and Oneida Conference Seminary in Cazenovia from 1838 to 1839.
In 1841, he married Esther Nancy Pulling (1821–1908), and their only daughter was Helen A. Laning (1842–1930).
He was a member of the New York State Democratic Committee from 1854 to 1858.
He was a member of the New York State Assembly (Erie Co., 1st D.) in 1858, and was Chairman of the Committee of Ways and Means.
In 1875, he ran for Mayor of Buffalo, but was defeated by Republican Philip Becker.