Outhwaite was principal of a grammar school in Columbus, Ohio from 1864 to 1867, studying law while teaching.

He served as prosecuting attorney of Franklin County, Ohio from 1874 to 1878.

He was appointed a member of the commission to codify the laws of the United States.

Outhwaite was Dean of the law school at Ohio State University from 1904 until his death in Columbus on December 9, 1907.

This article incorporates public domain material from the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress