Born at Williston, Vermont. Married Mary Gates September 15, 1852. They had a son and two daughters. He studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1844. He practiced law in Burlington, Vermont.

In 1848 he seceded from the state Democratic party convention and joined in formation of the free soil party. He served in the state senate 1857 to 1858. He became friends with Salmon P. Chase.

Chase appointed him to the position of Register of the Treasury. He served April 17, 1861, to August 10, 1864. His signature appears on paper money issued during that period. Between noon on Friday March 20, 1863, and noon on Sunday March 22, 1863, he signed 12,500 government bonds worth $10 million. They were needed to meet a ship sailing for England. He resigned because of poor health. He died in Burlington, Vermont.

bio: NCAB 13; TCBDA; NUM/NIN 4/96