He represented Pictou in the Canadian House of Commons from 1881 to 1896 as a Liberal-Conservative member.

He represented Victoria South in the Canadian House of Commons from 1890 to 1896 as a Liberal-Conservative member.

He represented London in the Canadian House of Commons from 1875 to 1878 as a Liberal-Conservative member.

From 1882 to 1896, he was the Liberal-Conservative member of the Canadian House of Commons for Lisgar.

He represented Glengarry as a Liberal-Conservative member of the Canadian House of Commons from 1879 to 1882.

He was a Liberal-Conservative member of the Senate of Canada for Victoria division from 1867 to 1889.

He represented Brant North as a Liberal-Conservative member in the 1st Canadian Parliament.

He represented Queens in the Canadian House of Commons from 1887 to 1891 as a Liberal-Conservative member.

He represented Kent in the Canadian House of Commons from 1892 to 1900 as a Liberal-Conservative member.

He represented Annapolis County from 1925 to 1933 as a Liberal-Conservative member.