He took his examen artium in 1853, enrolled in theology studies and graduated with a Candidatus theologiæ degree in 1860.

He first showed some willingness to adapt to the "religious peculiarity" of "certain congregations" in the high north, and tolerated Laestadianism.

However, he came to follow the official assimilation policy of the state, especially pertaining to language and culture of the Sami and Kven people.

[1] In 1874 he was elected to the Parliament of Norway, representing the constituency of Tromsø, Hammerfest, Vadsø og Vardø.

He believed that the King (the executive branch of government) should have an absolute veto in constitutional cases.