 He attended the public schools of his native city and graduated from the academic department of Richmond College (now the University of Richmond), Richmond, Va., in 1889, then from the law department of the University of Virginia at Charlottesville in 1892.He was admitted to the bar the same year and commenced the practice of law in Chatham, Virginia.From 1899-1904 he served in the State senate, representing Pittsylvania County and the City of Danville.