After leaving college he returned home, and owing to the failing health of his father took charge of his extensive farm.
He was married, February 13, 1856, to Sarah of St. Louis, Mo., daughter of James and Betsey (Brown) Smith Proctorsville, Vt.,[1] and continued to reside on his farm near Moro until his death.
He took an active part in local politics in the campaigns of 1856 and 1860, and in 1862 was appointed collector of internal revenue for the 12th district of Illinois, retaining the office until elected to the Illinois State Senate, a position which he held for four years from 1869.
[2] He was greatly interested in the promotion of scientific agriculture and horticulture, and held a leading position in connection with many organizations for this object.
He died in Moro, March 30, 1878, of influenza, having been in feeble health through the previous winter.