Successful PM businessman, born in Durham. He built up a wholesale stationery business in Sunderland and was also a ship-owner. The family belonged to Flag Lane and Tatham Street PM chapels in Sunderland. He served as class leader, local preacher and circuit steward and was a representative to the PM Conference. He gave his support to the building of better chapels and improved ministerial training as means of furthering PM work. He served as a town councillor from 1875.