He attended Fairfield Seminary, studied law with Gaylord Griswold and Simeon Ford, was admitted to the bar in 1809, and commenced practice in Fairfield.
He was a member of the New York State Assembly from Herkimer County in 1816 and 1817.
In 1817 he moved to Watertown, New York, where he practiced law and served as a state commissioner of bankruptcy.
Afterwards he resumed the practice of law, and also served in the judicial position of Master in Chancery.
He was a Trustee of the Village of Watertown in 1827 and also served as District Attorney of Jefferson County.