Background
He was born at Walton, New York to a Presbyterian clergyman father, and he determined to take up the same occupation.
He was born at Walton, New York to a Presbyterian clergyman father, and he determined to take up the same occupation.
He graduated from Union College in 1839 and took a course in theology at the Auburn Theological Seminary in Auburn, New New York
After being ordained, he preached at Stockbridge, Massachusetts, but soon had to give up his profession due to the strain, going to Europe in 1842. He turned to history writing, producing many works on various subjects. His writings were among the first to call attention to the Adirondack Mountains as a health resort.
He died in Newburgh, New York in 1897, having lived there for many years.
Headley was a member of the New York State Assembly (Orange Company, 1st Doctorate) in 1855. And was New York Secretary of State from 1856 to 1857, elected on the American Party ticket at the New York state election, 1855.
