He was secretary and treasurer of the Union Pacific Railroad, and in 1876 was elected to the United States Senate and served from March 4, 1877, to March 3, 1883; he was an unsuccessful candidate for reelection. While in the Senate, he was chairman of the Committee on Manufactures (45th Congress) and a member of the Committee on Enrolled Bills (47th Congress) and the Committee on Public Buildings and Grounds (47th Congress).
He held positions as secretary and treasurer for the Union Pacific Railroad. In 1876, he was elected to the United States Senate, serving from March 4, 1877, until March 3, 1883; however, he did not win re-election. During his time in the Senate, he chaired the Committee on Manufactures (45th Congress) and served as a member of the Committees on Enrolled Bills (47th Congress) and Public Buildings and Grounds (47th Congress).