First a police officer in Glasgow, he migrated with his brother Duncan 1853 per "Birman" to Melbourne.
Storekeeper and miner near Beechworth, Vic. Later of Warburton.
MLC for Ovens Dec 1855 to March 1856. MLA for Ovens Nov 1856 to March 1857
He is credited with riding a horse shod with golden horseshoes at an election rally in Beechworth. Facts do not appear to tally with the myth (Ref. Daniel Goonan).
Unmarried.