He studied with a local attorney but went to California during the Gold Rush without attaining admission to the bar.

In California, Nolan was employed on the street railway system of San Francisco and soon became manager.

Elected as a Democrat, he was mayor of Albany from May 1878 to June 24, 1883, when he resigned.

[2] After leaving Congress he continued his business activities, and served as Mayor of Albany again from 1882 to 1883.

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