Career
Born in Gjerpen, he worked as a farmer and carpenter. He became involved in the local workers" societies, and joined the Liberal Party. In 1898 he was elected to Gjerpen municipal council.
He served in the executive committee until 1919, except for the years 1907 to 1910 when he was deputy mayor.
In 1898 he was also elected to the Norwegian Parliament for his constituency Bratsberg Amt. He was re-elected in 1900, 1904 and 1910.
He then served as a deputy representative during the terms 1913–1915, 1916–1918 and 1919–1921.