His father was of Scotch-Irish descent and his mother of English origin, a woman of marked intellectual qualities.

[1] He taught Latin, Greek, and mathematics as a tutor at Waterville College, later being appointed as professor of rhetoric and lecturer on modern history, remaining there until 1850, when he removed to New York City and became the editor of the Baptist weekly New York Recorder.

[1][2] He was elected a member of the American Antiquarian Society in 1864.

[1] He died February 26, 1890, in Lake Helen, Florida, and is buried in the University of Rochester plot at Mount Hope Cemetery in Rochester.

[6] In addition to being president, he served as professor of moral and intellectual philosophy, 1853-'87, and of political economy, 1887-'90.