Career
He began to practice law in Tonawanda, New York in 1836, and the next year became a Justice of the Peace. On March 26, 1851, he received a recess appointment by President Millard Fillmore as United States. Marshal for the Northern District of New York, was confirmed by the United States. Senate on January 15, 1852, and remained in office until April 1853 when he resigned.In 1854, he removed to Niagara Falls, New York, and built the "International Hotel" there. In 1864, he bought the Zimmerman estate in Clifton Hill, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, built the "Clifton Place" mansion, and went to live there.
In 1867, he became the first President of the Clifton Suspension Bridge Company in the United States.
And in 1868, he was among the incorporators of the Clifton Suspension Bridge Company in Canada.
