Born on June 29, 1820, in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania,[1] Ketcham pursued classical studies.

[5] In 1866, 1869, and 1872, he received votes in the Republican state conventions for the office of Governor of Pennsylvania.

[5] Ketcham was elected as a Republican from Pennsylvania's 12th congressional district to the United States House of Representatives of the 44th United States Congress and served from March 4, 1875, until July 19, 1876, when he resigned to accept a federal judicial appointment.

[1] He was confirmed by the United States Senate on June 26, 1876, and received his commission the same day.

At an early age Ketcham assisted his father in painting buildings in the city and lock-houses along the canal.