US Congressman. He was born and grew up in Connecticut and moved to Rochester, NY in 1835. He studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1841, commencing practice in Rochester. He was elected as a Republican to the 36th and 37th Congresses (1859-1863). He joined the numerous politicians and Washington, DC citizens who had come to watch the First Battle of Bull Run (July 21, 1861), but was caught up in the stampede when the Southern forces routed the Union Army. He was taken a prisoner by the Confederates and imprisoned in Richmond's Libby Prison for nearly six months. He was with Calvin Huson Jr., from Auburn, NY, while in prison. He was exchanged for Union-held prisoner Charles J. Faulkner. He resumed the practice of law in Rochester after his release.