Career
While nothing is known about his educational background, on 12 May 1682 he and three other men (including John Tredenham) were granted a patent for a new device to drain water out of mines, with especial reference to Cornish tin mines. He became Member of Parliament for Saint Ives in 1690 (he was regarded by Lord Carmarthen as a probable supporter of the Carmarthen Ministry if it were to come under attack). But did not stand for re-election in 1695.
He remained active in local politics, becoming a councilman in the new Plymouth corporation in 1696.
He did not stand in 1702, but again remained locally active, serving as a Sheriff (1703-1704) and Deputy Lieutenant for Devon (March 1705). In 1705 he was defeated for election to Parliament, but in 1708 was elected, in part because he was seen by the strong Whigs as being a more Whiggish choice than Tory incumbent Thomas Northmore.