A Rochdale weaver, born at Wardle. Despite his lack of musical training he became a member of the King's Band and a distinguished counter-tenor. He was choir leader at Union Street WM chapel, Rochdale and published two collections of hymn tunes. HP 306 (and 380), 'Watchman', derived its name from being originally set to 'Hark, how the watchmen cry' in a Methodist New Connexion book of 1867. He died as a result of a coach accident at Blackley, near Manchester, on 8 February 1798.