When the Civil War began, he enlisted in Company D, 1st Ohio Cavalry Regiment, serving from August 5, 1861, until February 1863, where he became a sergeant.

He graduated from St. Lawrence University, Canton, New York, June 30, 1870, and moved to Bridgton, Maine, in 1871, where he was ordained a pastor of the Universalist Church.

He moved to Newfields, New Hampshire, in 1873, and subsequently, in 1875, to Manchester, pursuing his ministerial duties in both places.

He was the United States Minister to Colombia from 1893 to 1897, then returned to Bridgton, Maine, where he engaged in the furniture business.

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