He was educated at the University of Nebraska, obtaining his A.B. in 1893 and then worked for the railroads as a surveyor before returning to the University of Nebraska to study for his Master's degree which was awarded in 1896.
Siya ay aral sa Unibersidad ng Nebraska, ng kanyang AB sa 1893 at pagkatapos ay nagtrabaho para sa railroads bilang isang agrimensor bago bumabalik sa Unibersidad ng Nebraska sa pag-aaral para sa kanyang Master's degree na kung saan ay iginawad sa 1896.