He served with the Canadian Expeditionary Force in World War I where he achieved the rank of Major-General.

As an associate of real estate promoter and politician John James Carrick, he moved to Port Arthur in February 1905.

In January 1917 he was appointed a lieutenant-colonel and made director of supply and transport for the Canadian forces.

He was awarded the DSO (Distinguished Service Order) in June 1917, the year he became acting quartermaster-general of the Canadian Expeditionary Force.

[6][7] During his long political career he focused his efforts on the development of the mining and pulp and paper industry.