He early became interested in politics, entered the Iowa Senate as a Democrat, representing the 3rd District.

He served throughout the Civil War, beginning his military career as an Aide-de-Camp to Iowa Governor Samuel J. Kirkwood.

He was promoted to colonel and given command of the 3rd Iowa Cavalry Regiment in September 1861, which he led into the Battle of Pea Ridge.

Volunteers on January 5, 1864, he was assigned a cavalry brigade in the Seventh Army Corps in the Department of Arkansas.

He was commander of the District of Columbia Commandery, Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States in 1911 and 1912.