Born on April 19, 1851, in New York City, New York, Ward received a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master of Arts degree in 1870 from the University of Pennsylvania and read law in 1873.

He continued private practice in New York City starting in 1884.

[1] Ward received a recess appointment from President Theodore Roosevelt on May 18, 1907, to a joint seat on the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and the United States Circuit Courts for the Second Circuit vacated by Judge William James Wallace.

He was nominated to the same position by President Roosevelt on December 3, 1907.

He was confirmed by the United States Senate on December 17, 1907, and received his commission the same day.