He was born as a son of a tailor in Patsi farmstead in the village of Metsakuru, Kärstna Parish (now in the village of Veisjärve, Viljandi Parish), Viljandi County.

He started working as a teacher at the Torma Võtikvere Ministry of Education in 1911.

During this time, he published several short stories (in prose) and poems in newspapers.

This works attracted the attention of Friedebert Tuglas, a literary critic.

He also published the novels "Kuldblond neitsi" and "Roheline sisalik" (Tartu, 1925).