He was born in New York City and was educated at Wesleyan University and at Mount Union College (Ohio). He entered the Methodist ministry and in 1872 became assistant editor of various Sunday-school and tract publications of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Born in New York City, he received his education at Wesleyan University and Mount Union College (Ohio) before entering the Methodist ministry. In 1872, he began working as an assistant editor for various religious publications of the Methodist Episcopal church.