In 1832, Glenn's father died and he was forced to forgo his education work on the family farm.
During that year's presidential election, Glenn spent most of his life's earnings campaigning for Henry Clay.
[1] After the election, Glenn moved to Ripley, Illinois, where was named a justice of the peace and served as postmaster.
Glenn was a delegate to the Illinois constitutional convention of 1862 and served on the State Board of Equalization of Taxes.
[1] Glenn married Lavinia Cooper on February 13, 1851; they had six children, though only two (William C. and Ella) survived to adulthood.