He served one term in the United States House of Representatives from 1845 to 1847 and later as a justice on the New York Supreme Court from 1857 to 1867.

He attended the common schools, studied law, was admitted to the bar and commenced practice in Angelica, N.Y.

In 1853, he ran for New York State Attorney General on the Soft ticket, but was defeated by Whig Ogden Hoffman.

In November 1857, he was elected a justice of the New York Supreme Court to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of James Mullett.

In November 1867, he was elected a judge of the New York Court of Appeals for a term of eight years.