He studied law, was admitted to the bar and commenced practice in Camden.
He was appointed aide-de-camp with the rank of lieutenant colonel on the staff of Governor Fairfield in 1842.
He returned to Camden the following year, resumed the practice of law, and was again appointed postmaster.
He established the Maine Free Press in 1854, and served as editor for three years.
He again served in the State Senate, moved to Biddeford and established the Maine Democrat.