Tilden was a Boston merchant, having relocated to the city at the age of sixteen, and entered the service of Dutton, Richardson & Company, at the time located on Federal Street, Boston. His role was to sell dry goods. At the age of twenty-one, he entered the employ of James L. Little & Company, who represented as agents, the firm, Pacific Mills. Tilden remained in their employ for twenty-five years, until they ceased trading. He then took up a position in Canton Manufacturing and Bleaching Company, acting as treasurer, albeit in a part time position until his retirement.[3]
Within the state legislature he served on the committee for cities in 1893 and Chairman of House committee on engrossed bills, and on the committee for cities in 1894.[3]