Then he studied law with Thomas C. Chittenden in Adams, Jefferson County, New York, was admitted to the bar, and practiced in Buffalo, New York.
As a Whig, he was Recorder of Buffalo from 1840 to 1844; and a delegate to the New York State Constitutional Convention of 1846.
Afterwards he abandoned the practice of law, and engaged in agricultural pursuits in Lewiston, Niagara County, New York.
He was an Independent member of the New York State Senate (29th D.) in 1858 and 1859.
Wisconsin Chief Judge Alexander W. Stow (1805–1854) was his brother; Assemblyman George D. Ruggles was his uncle.