He was admitted to the Virginia bar in 1858 and in 1861, he purchased the "Virginia Argus and Hampshire Advertiser" newspaper, which he operated until the onset of the American Civil War.
He was admitted to the Virginia bar in 1858 at the age of 41. In 1861, he purchased the "Virginia Argus and Hampshire Advertiser" newspaper, which he operated until the onset of the American Civil War.