[3] Longyear pursued classical studies at the Lima Academy in New York.

[4] He moved to Mason, Ingham County, Michigan in 1844 and taught school.

[4] Longyear was nominated by President Ulysses S. Grant on February 7, 1870, to a seat on the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan vacated by Judge Ross Wilkins.

[1] He was confirmed by the United States Senate on February 18, 1870, and received his commission the same day.

[1] His service terminated on March 10, 1875, due to his death in Detroit,[1] where he had moved in 1871.