 He emigrated to the United States in 1845, living in New York City and New Orleans, Louisiana, before settling in St. Louis, Missouri, where he worked in the dry goods business.In 1856, he moved to Gasconade County, Missouri, where he divided his time between his farm, general store, and serving as the local postmaster and justice of the peace.In 1864, he was elected to the Missouri House of Representatives, serving until 1869, when he was elected State Treasurer.