Born in Grafton, New Hampshire, he took part in the California Gold Rush in 1849.

In 1851, he founded the Heath & Milligan Manufacturing Company in Chicago.

Heath served as an alderman on the Chicago City Council from 1871 through 1876, representing the twelfth ward.

After winning the 1876 election, Heath was sworn in as Mayor of Chicago on July 24, 1876.

[3] He was re-elected the following year (defeating Perry H. Smith) and was sworn in for his second term on April 30, 1877.