He served as member of the Tennessee House of Representatives in 1843 and 1844, and in the Tennessee Senate in 1845 and 1846, and in 1859 and 1861. A Southern Unionist, he resigned when the state seceded.
He held legislative seats in Tennessee from 1843 to 1844, and in the Senate during 1845-1846, with additional terms in 1859 and 1861. A moderate who opposed secession, he resigned when the state withdrew from the Union.