Born in Vernon Place, Boston, Massachusetts. His family soon moved to Chelsea.

Enlisted in the army April 22, 1861, and served with the 13th Massachusetts Volunteers. Worked as traveling salesman. He moved to New York City in 1870. He was a member of Alexander Hamilton GAR post in New York City. Married Ella Mordaunt Peshine December 17, 1874. She died in 1919. They had no children.

He began collecting about 1856 by visiting the toll house in Boston. The toll keepers set aside any odd coins that they could not identify. He sold his initial collection for $5.00. In 1883 he became a full time dealer with B. Westerman & Co. Employed as manager of the Scott Stamp and Coin Company until 1896. He then went into business for himself. He issued fixed price lists 1882 to 1911. He moved to New Rochelle in 1911. His obituary credits him with 211 auction sales. Gengerke credits him with 195 auction sales with 122,791 lots from 1885 to 1924.

He was ANA member number 87. Served as librarian for the ANS in 1885. Co-editor of the American Journal of Numismatics 1891 to 1907. Author of Hard Times Tokens in 1899. In 1923 he discovered and revealed the Bank of New York hoard of Fugio cents. He is noted for the quote, "The time to shoot bears is when bears is around."

He died at home in New Rochelle, New York. Remainders from his estate were sold at auction by Thomas Elder May 1, 1924. In 1972 he was elected to the ANA Numismatic Hall of Fame.

bio: NUM 4; 1/1892 p. 1;photo facing p. 2; CW/NM 11/10/76

obit: NUM 37 Mar 1924 pages 248-249; ANAHist 371