[2] He left his father's homestead in 1858 and was employed for two years as an accountant for a contractor constructing a water pumping project in Brooklyn, New York.

[3] On the completion of this project in 1860, Page was employed by the same company for their lumber operations in northern Wisconsin, and went to live at Menekaunee.

[3][2] At the outbreak of the American Civil War, he enlisted with the Union Army and was enrolled in Company F of the 12th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment.

He was promoted to first lieutenant effective August 17, 1864, and went on to work as ordinance officer for the 3rd division of XVII Corps.

[3] In 1892, he was placed in charge of the post office at Wausaukee, Wisconsin, due to financial irregularities under the previous postmaster.