Career
He developed a reputation for being able to rapidly facilitate the health of ailing railroads. He had quite a career as an engineer, superintendent and general manager of several railroads before rising into the presidency of the Cincinnati, New Orleans and Texas Pacific Railway. He also led the Alton Railroad, the Mexican Central Railroad, the Tennessee Central Railway and the Chicago Great Western Railway, before his own ailing health forced his retirement.
During World War I, was appointed Director General of Military Railways with a military rank of Brigade
General and in that capacity had charge of the organization and dispatch to France of all American railway forces and supplies. He continued in that position during the World War years.