 He was first elected to the House of Commons of Canada in the Brant South riding in the 1872 election.The Liberal politician was re-elected in 1874, 1878, 1882, 1887, and 1891.He was defeated in the 1896 election but was elected in an 1896 by-election in Grey North, when the candidate elected for this riding died before the opening of the 9th Parliament.