He attended McTyeire School in McKenzie, Tennessee and received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Vanderbilt University in 1909.
He was in private practice in Baldwyn from 1911 to 1924, interrupted by service in the United States Army during World War I.
In the summer of 1917, he went to Officer Training Camp at Fort Logan H. Roots, Arkansas.
He was confirmed by the United States Senate on March 2, 1929, and received his commission the same day.
He assumed senior status on March 22, 1957, and served in that capacity until his death on August 28, 1974.