He was born on February 27, 1824, in Manchester, Ontario County, New York.
He was educated at Utica, New York, and studied engineering in his brother's office.
He was New York State Engineer and Surveyor from 1862 to 1865, elected on Union tickets nominated by Republicans and War Democrats in 1861 and 1863.
In 1869, he ran again but was defeated by Democrat Van Rensselaer Richmond.
[1] He also served two terms as City Surveyor of Utica, New York.