Agent for the settlers at Wyoming, Pennsylvania.

Led the resistance to the state’s efforts to oust Connecticut settlers from their farms in the Wyoming townships (1783).

Traveled to Philadelphia where he voiced the settlers’ grievances before the Council (September 1786).

Following the creation of the county of Luzerne, he led a final uprising of unsatisfied settlers, and was arrested (October 1786). Indicted for treason against the state of Pennsylvania. Imprisoned for over three years. Following his pardon in 1792, he was appointed high sheriff of Luzerne County.