Born near Lanesville, Indiana. Attended Indiana University. Admitted to bar in Indiana in 1854 and practiced law. Married Matilda McGrain February 11, 1858.

Elected to Indiana Legislature in 1860. Served in the Army during the Civil War. Promoted to brigadier general August 11, 1863, and major general in 1865. His military career ended when he was shot in the knee July 20, 1864. Served as District Judge for Indiana 1869 to 1882. He was appointed by President Arthur as Postmaster General in 1883. Appointed U. S. Secretary of the Treasury and served September 25, 1884, to October 30, 1884.

Served as United States circuit judge. Considered as Republican candidate for president in 1884 and 1888. He supported the election of Grover Cleveland and in 1893 was appointed by Cleveland as Secretary of State. He died in office in Washington, D.C.

bio: ApCAB; BDEB; DAB; EAB; NCAB 24; WWWA-H