Born in Cherokee County, Georgia, Lane moved to Limestone County, Alabama with his family in 1821 and read law with Judge Daniel Coleman in Athens, Alabama to enter the bar, and practiced there until 1829.

[1] Lane opposed the secession of Alabama from the United States.

He was confirmed by the United States Senate on March 28, 1861, and received his commission the same day.

His service terminated on November 12, 1863, due to his death in Louisville, Kentucky.

Historian Willis Brewer wrote of Lane that, "as a judge he was lenient but sound and reliable, and as a man he was always popular because of his kind and humane nature".