 He was married on July 14, 1868, to Mary Mitchell, the daughter of Thomas Mitchell, a long-time resident of Constantine, and closely identified with its manufacturing and material interests.In 1872, he was elected prosecuting attorney of St. Joseph County, serving until January 21, 1874 when he was appointed by Michigan Governor John J. Bagley to be judge of the 15th circuit court of Michigan, comprising the counties of St. Joseph and Branch County.He was elected to the position in the spring of 1875.