 Angus began his career as a book agent in Ohio.He subsequently entered the life insurance business, first as an agent and later as a regional manager for large life insurance interests.In the late 1890s, he became a promoter and builder of interurban electric railways, including the 61-mile Toledo, Fremont & Norwalk Railway (later part of the Lake Shore Electric Railway) and the 79-mile Detroit, Ypsilanti, Ann Arbor & Jackson Railway (sometimes known as the "Ypsi-Ann").