Born in Macoupin County, Illinois near Scottville, he moved to nearby Girard in 1865; he attended the public schools there and studied law and was admitted to the bar, but did not engage in extensive practice.

He was a member of the board of supervisors of Macoupin County and engaged in mercantile pursuits.

He was mayor of Cando, and was appointed as a Democrat to the U.S. Senate to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Martin N. Johnson and served from November 10, 1909, to January 31, 1910, when he resigned.

He resumed his former business activities in Cando until his retirement in 1921; he moved to Los Angeles, California where he resided until his death in 1942 at age 87.

This was due to the late age inauguration and subsequent passing 2 months later of Andrew Jackson Houston.