He pursued classical studies and was graduated from Yale College in 1814.

Later, he studied law and he was admitted to the bar in 1817 and he commenced practice in Vincennes, Indiana.

Law was the prosecuting attorney 1818-1820 and a member of the Indiana House of Representatives in 1824 and 1825.

He served as the receiver of the land office at Vincennes 1838-1842 and was again a judge from 1844 to 1850, when he resigned.

He was appointed by President Franklin Pierce judge of the court of land claims and served from 1855 to 1857.