Tufts moved to
Niobrara in the
Nebraska Territory in 1859, where he became a
probate judge and served in the territorial legislature. Tufts moved to the
Dakota Territory in 1861 and served as secretary for the legislative council of the Dakota Territory. He was appointed US Commissioner to adjust military claims in the Dakota Territory in 1862. Tufts moved to
Idaho Territory in 1863 and served in the Idaho Territorial Legislature. He was the first Speaker of the Idaho Territorial House of Representatives. He was appointed territorial secretary for the
Montana Territory in 1867, and served as its acting governor from March 1869 to April 9, 1869. Tufts ran for the Montana territorial delegate to the
United States House of Representatives and lost the election. He moved back to
Niobrara, Nebraska, to farm and practice law. ==Death==