Designed many now-demolished landmarks, such as the first office to use elevators, the eight-story Equitable Life Assurance Society. For a time, his 20-story New York World Building was New York City's tallest building. He was taught by Richard Morris Hunt from 1858 until 1860. He had previously earned a degree in civil engineering from New York University's Scientific School in 1858. He formed a partnership in 1860 with Charles D. Gambrill, but left for a time to fight in the Civil War.
