He was the son of Daniel Lord (1780–1818) and Clarissa (Seeley) Lord (1783–1867). He attended the common schools, and became a farmer. He married Eliza Ann Decker (1819–1854), and they had three children, among them Assemblyman George D. Lord. About 1842, he removed to a farm in Pittsford. He also became a contractor, engaging in canal construction, and was president of the Bank of Monroe of Rochester. On March 20, 1855, he married Zilpha M. Tibbets (1835–1911).
He was a member of the New York State Assembly (Monroe Co., 1st D.) in 1858. At the state elections in 1861 and 1864, he ran on the Democratic ticket for Canal Commissioner, but was defeated both times by Republican Franklin A. Alberger.
In 1872, Lord had a lake freighter named after him.
He was again a member of the State Assembly in 1867, and was the Democratic minority's candidate for Speaker. He was a member of the New York State Senate (28th D.) from 1870 to 1875, sitting in the 93rd, 94th, 95th, 96th, 97th and 98th New York State Legislatures. In 1876–77, he was accused in connection with the Canal Ring frauds, and became a defendant in a series of trials.
He was buried at the Pittsford Cemetery.