He removed to Detroit with his parents in 1846, and when sixteen years old was appointed ticket agent for the Grand Trunk Railway.

At the commencement of the Civil War he resigned this position and enlisted as a Private in the Fourth Michigan Infantry.

During General Grant's campaign before Richmond he was severely wounded, early in June 1864, and was mustered out of service with his regiment at the end of that month.

In 1872 he removed to Alpena, Michigan, and founded the Exchange Bank of George L. Maltz and Company, being the pioneer banker of that section of the State.

He was elected regent of the University of Michigan in 1877 for the full term of eight years from January 1, following, but resigned the office February 6, 1880.