He served two terms as a president of American Institute of Mining Engineers. For a number of years during the late 19th century, he was connected with the United States Geological Survey and was regarded by the government as being "an expert on iron and manganese ores". He was called to the majority of states in America, as well as to other countries such as Canada and Maxico and examine and report upon iron ore mines, as well as to assist in designing and constructing new blast furnaces.
