Self-taught musician, born in Droylsden, Lancs. He became choirmaster of Droylsden WM Chapel and worked in a local hat factory until 1843, when he emigrated to America, resuming his hat-making until he became blind. He died at Newburgh, NY, on 27 September 1899. He is chiefly remembered for the popular hymn tune 'Diadem', usually set to 'All hail the power of Jesu's name' (HP 252; SF 342) and written in 1838 while he was still in his teens.