He graduated from Centre College in Danville, Kentucky in 1840 and resided in Washington, DC during his father's tenure as Postmaster General in the Tyler Administration. He studied law under United States Attorney General Hugh Lagare and was admitted to the Kentucky bar.
As a graduate of Centre College in Danville, Kentucky in 1840, he spent time in Washington, DC during his father's tenure as Postmaster General in the Tyler administration. Under the tutelage of United States Attorney General Hugh Lagare, he developed his skills in law and was eventually admitted to the Kentucky bar.