In 1844, he went to New York City, became first a clerk, and then a merchant.
Later he bought a farm in Watervliet where he resided while still looking after his business interests in New York City.
He was a member of the New York State Senate (13th D.) in 1874 and 1875.
Dayton had a brother, George Dayton, who happened to serve in the New Jersey State Senate at the same time as his own service in the New York State Senate.
This article about a member of the New York State Senate is a stub.