Eriksson Hästehufvud was born 14 September 1577 in Bolstad Parish in Dalsland, where his father was a vicar.
In 1602 he became a referendary in the chancellery of Charles IX and in the following years he had several civilian administrative positions.
Following the outbreak of the Kalmar War in 1611, Eriksson Hästehufvud joined the army, fought with success under Jesper Mattson Cruus and in 1612 was appointed ryttmästare (captain) in the Västergötland Cavalry Regiment.
Following his brave defence of Mitau against eight months of Polish attacks, he was appointed commandant-general of Narva, Ivangorod, Jama, Koporje and Nöteborg in 1622.
[2] After having served as vice admiral in the Swedish Navy in 1626, he became governor of Marienburg in 1625.