He was commander of the island fortress at Steinvikholm Castle (1560 to 1564) until expelled by Swedish forces during the Northern Seven Years' War.
[3][4][5] He was married to Kirstine Trondsdatter Benkestokk (1510-1572), the sister of nobleman Jon Trondson Benkestok ( ca.
1530-1593), and the daughter of overlord and land owner Trond Benkestokk (ca.
The couple had ten children, and several of his daughters married into prominent noble families.
His wife had inherited an interest in the Mel estate in the present-day Kvinnherad Municipality in Hordaland.