He studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1828 and commenced practice in Richmond, Indiana.

He was an unsuccessful candidate for U.S. Senate in 1849, then served as a member of the first State Assembly between 1851 and 1853.

He then served as Superintendent of Indian Affairs of California between 1855–1858, during which time he oversaw and instigated the Round Valley Settler Massacres of 1856–1859.

His last job was as the postmaster of San Francisco between 1860-1864. Henley died in Mendocino County, California.

This article incorporates public domain material from the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress