In 1864, he took up land as a farmer and pastoralist near Gingin, Western Australia. From 1870, he was involved in exporting horses to India. On 24 October 1884, he was elected to the Western Australian Legislative Councilseat of Swan. He held the seat until the election of 30 January 1889, which he did not contest. From 1886, he had invested heavily in the Midland Railway, ultimately suffering heavy losses. In 1893 he was elected Mayor of Gingin, which position he held until 1903, when he sold his land and retired to Perth.