[2] He studied law with the then United States Attorney for the Northern District of New York William A.

To him is due the credit of organizing the dairy department for suppressing the sale and manufacture of oleomargarine.

He secured the enactment of the bill preventing the sale of liquor in quantities of five gallons or more in towns having no license.

In 1891, he was Chairman of the Committee on General Laws and made interesting investigations into the subject of electricity for lighting and power.

In the session of 1892, when Republican leader, he made a strong but unsuccessful fight against the re-apportionment of the state, and for his refusal to vote on an enumeration bill he and two other senators were declared guilty of contempt by Lt. Gov.