He studied law, was admitted to the bar in 1831, and commenced practice in Canastota.
On January 16, 1834, he married Cornelia Genet Rowe (1806–1851), and they had six children.
He formed a cabinet in natural history, gathering, mounting and arranging birds, animals, and especially insects.
In 1853, he was elected a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
On June 14, 1854, he married Charlotte (Spriggs) Sleeper, and they had a son.