Hopkins attended Fredonia Academy and Genesee Wesleyan Seminary in preparation for college.

In 1865, Hopkins was President of the Common Council of Buffalo, New York, having been an alderman since 1856.

In 1867, he became Collector of Internal Revenue for the 30th District of New York.

Hopkins was New York State Comptroller from 1872 to 1875, elected in 1871 and 1873 on the Republican ticket.

This article about a politician from the state of New York is a stub.