He was born in Conway, Massachusetts and later moved to St. Marys, Ohio before finally settling permanently in Fort Wayne.

He practiced medicine and ran a drug store in the frontier town.

He was elected mayor of Fort Wayne in a special election to fill the vacancy left by John M. Wallace, who resigned as mayor after serving one year.

He served as mayor of Fort Wayne for three terms after being reelected twice.

He is buried in Lindenwood Cemetery in Fort Wayne.