 He studied law at the University of Kentucky and at the University of Michigan.He was Sheriff of Leslie County in 1891 and 1892, and Superintendent of schools of Leslie County 1894–1898.He served as member of the Kentucky House of Representatives in 1900 and 1901, was
Commonwealth's attorney 1904–1909, and
Circuit judge of the twenty-seventh judicial district of Kentucky 1909–1922 and 1928–1934.