Born in Scotland, arrived in Tasmania as a youth and was employed in a general store owned by R. Cleburne. Commenced business at Franklin Wharf as a ship-chandler. He sustained "the reputation of a man of uprightness and integrity in business". Married 27th September, 1849 to Christina Mezgar. Died aged 59 years, 13th October, 1878, his last residence at 9 Davey Street, Hobart. Buried at Cornelian Bay Cemetery.