Bachelder lived at and operated his family farm throughout his life, was a leader in the Grange, and served a single term as Governor of New Hampshire.

He was appointed to New Hampshire's State Board of Agriculture, and served from 1887 until 1913, remaining in this post even through his two years as governor.

His boyhood was passed upon the family farm in East Andover, and his early education was at Franklin Academy and the New Hampton Institute.

[1] After a brief experience in teaching, Bachelder devoted himself to practical agriculture, gaining success as a market gardener and dairyman.

In 1883 he was chosen secretary of the state Grange and filled that position for eight years, being then promoted to the office of Master.

[1] He was the author of Gems of the Granite State, a souvenir picture book of the summer resorts in New Hampshire.