He was a student for two years in medicine with Nathan Smith, then a resident of New Haven, Connecticut, but early in life settled in Cornish, New Hampshire, and at Hanover.
Impaired health led him to go South for a time, during which he used his mathematical knowledge acquired at Norwich, assisting in the survey of the Dismal Swamp Canals, also following up on his studies in natural science, particularly in Botany.
He received an appointment, and served on the staff of the Commander of the First Brigade of Vermont Volunteers during the winter of 1861-18622, and nearly or quite through the Peninsular Campaign in the spring and summer of 1862.
Impaired health compelled his return to Vermont, where he was appointed to the medical charge (Brigadier Surgeon) of the Camp and the Military Hospital at Brattleboro.
The large percent of recoveries in it, due to the skill with which he administered it, combined with its healthful situation, gave it and him great and well deserved credit.
Near the close o the war he was transferred to a hospital in Kentucky, from which he returned to his home and his practice in Windsor, when his country no longer needed his services.
He was esteemed in his professional work, by his patrons, for his skill and scientific attainment rather than for his use of the manners and arts which are calculated to please the fancy and prejudice.