In 1878 he moved from the San Joaquin Valley in California, where his father was a farmer and apiarist, to what would become Latah County, Idaho.

He secured a homestead claim 7.5 miles northeast of what would become Genesee, Idaho, and ranched there for the remainder of his life.

During his term, he shepherded the bill, drafted by attorney Willis Sweet, that established the University of Idaho in Moscow, through both houses of the legislature.

He did so in the territorial council by preying on fears that the Panhandle would secede to form part of the proposed State of Lincoln, and insisted that the university, rather than a penitentiary, should be used as an enticement.

He did so in the house of representatives by concealing his tie-breaking vote on the division of Alturas County, and insisting that the act establishing the university be passed.