After several pastorates in New England, he became professor of sacred literature in McKendree University, Lebanon, Illinois, serving from 1857 to 1859. Later, he held pastorates in Saint Louis, Missouri, and Baldwin, Kansas
He progressed through a series of ministerial roles in New England before assuming the position of professor of sacred literature at McKendree University in Lebanon, Illinois, where he worked from 1857 to 1859. He then took on pastorates in Saint Louis, Missouri, and Baldwin, Kansas