His father died when he was 13, so he had to leave school to work, first as a bell boy, then he drove a dray horse.

His first accomplishment, achieved by lobbying even before he was sworn in as a member of Congress, was a federal appropriation to dredge San Diego Bay to allow large ships to enter.

He continued to promote San Diego and Southern California interests (the Congressional district then encompassed ten counties) throughout his tenure.

He courted many congressmen and officials, lobbying them over dinner and gifting them with California produce such as oranges and wine.

He helped Kettner's efforts to establish bases in San Diego as assistant naval secretary and later as the president of the United States.

Kettner was nicknamed the "Million Dollar Congressman" for his ability to gain naval bases in San Diego.