A prominent PM layman, born in Shropshire. Arriving in New Zealand in 1864, he worked as a roading contractor, then set up a butchery in Invercargill which developed into a stock and station agency. He served as a town councillor for 30 years and was twice mayor (1885 and 1903). In 1872 he established the first PM society in the town and was active as a local preacher. He was involved in connexional affairs for 50 years, notably as treasurer of the Supernumerary Fund, and generously supported the establishment of stations throughout the country. In 1888 he became only the second layman to be elected President of the PM Conference in New Zealand.