After a good preliminary education, of which the College course did not form a part, he was Engaged as a clerk in the well known book-store of Gen. Hezekiah Howe, where excellent opportunities were afforded him to gratify his early thirst for knowledge.

As the Yale University Library was about to be removed to a new edifice, he was appointed Librarian, and he continued to discharge the duties of that office fifteen years, till his resignation in 1858.

Since the death of Professor James Luce Kingsley, he edited the Yale Triennial Catalogue, and prepared the annual record of the deceased graduates of the College.

He likewise paid special attention to the recurrence of the Aurora Borealis, keeping for several years an accurate daily register of the appearance or non-appearance of that phenomenon.

In the local history of the college, the town and the state, in American biography, in general literature, especially in quaint and entertaining lore, in English etymology, and in bibliography, his attainments were great, and his knowledge was always at command.