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 positions in the Tennessee House of Representatives from 1843 to 1844, and in the Tennessee Senate from 1845 to 1846, as well as again in 1859 and 1861. A Northern sympathizer, he stepped down when the state seceded.