In 1869 he was appointed a magistrate of Tasmania, and in 1883 a state coroner. From 1882 to 1887 he was a member of the House of Assembly for Norfolk Plains, during which time he was offered the posts of Speaker, Treasurer and Chief Secretary in succession and declined each. He became a member of the Royal Commissions into Education and Prisons, and was Tasmania's representative to the 1878 Paris World Fair. In 1872 he was elected a member of Longford Municipal Council, on which he served for 22 years, becoming for the last 17 years Warden. He became Treasurer of the Municipality during his time, and served on the Longford Show Society Committee, as well as being chairman of the Boards of Health, Rabbits, Fruits and Advice.