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Rh He was a delegate-at-large to the Republican national conventions of 1892 and 1896, and was a candidate before the convention of 1896 for the vice-presidential nomination, but was defeated by a small plurality, standing second when the first vote was recorded. In March, 1879, President McKinley appointed him United States Commissioner of Pensions and he served until May 13, 1902, when he was appointed by President Roosevelt United States consul-general for the Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. He was sworn in the same day. He affiliated with the Masonic fraternity, serving as master of the lodge, high priest, Royal Arch, and commander Knights Templar. He was a comrade of the Grand Army of the Republic.

On February 18, 1869, he was married to Adelaide P. Durand. Of their four children, three were living in 1905. He was brought up in the Presbyterian faith. His work during his active business career was determined by circumstances and not from choice; and the measure of success he has attained he feels was due to his energy and to his ambition to better his condition and the condition of those dependent upon him. He gives credit to his mother for the first incentives toward success which he felt as a boy. The impulse received from her was helped by his association with good men and women. He finds by experience and observation that "good character, the approval of one's owti conscience, work, study, the avoidance of bad and unclean associates, keeping thoroughly employed in vigorous and healthful work during boyhood and early manhood," help in the attainment of success in life.