He served in the Wisconsin State Assembly, representing Fond du Lac County during the 1867 session.

At age 19, he decided to emigrate to the Wisconsin Territory, following his older brothers Anderson and Joseph.

After selling his land in Rock County, he went north on foot to Springvale to take ownership of his new homestead.

[1] In 1866, he was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly, running on the National Union Party ticket.

[2][3] He was an unsuccessful candidate for Wisconsin State Senate in 1874, defeated by incumbent William Hiner.