He was educated at Pembroke Academy, and became active in his family's farming, brick making and lumber businesses.

[2] In 1874, Head ran for the New Hampshire State Senate from the 2nd District, and narrowly placed second to Democrat James Priest.

Had no candidate won a majority, the election would have been decided by the whole General Court, which was narrowly controlled by Republicans, likely guaranteeing that Head would be selected.

The Democratic majority in the Senate ratified the Governor's actions and rejected, on party lines, a challenge to Priest's and Proctor's qualifications.

[4] Head was subsequently elected to the State Senate in 1876 and 1877 and served as the President Pro Tempore in his second term.