In 1848, he ran for the 6th district of the Iowa House of Representatives, but was defeated in the general election by Manly Gifford.

In 1857, he was elected to the Iowa House of Representatives from the 19th district, which constituted Polk County, and was a member of the Claims Committee.

In 1873 he was elected to the Iowa Senate from the 28th district, which constituted Polk County as well, and was appointed to the Claims, Compensation of Public Officers, Congressional Districts, Normal Schools, Printing, Public Buildings, Reform School, Agricultural College, Appropriations, and Penitentiary committees.

He helped to establish the ‘Girls’ Industrial School’ at Mitchellville, and served on its board of trustees.

He was an abolitionist throughout his life, being a friend of John Brown, and maintained a station on the Underground Railroad.