After studying forestry for a year at Yale University, he graduated from the University of Michigan with the degree of Master of Science in Forestry in 1905.
He was then appointed lecturer at the Ontario Agricultural College in Guelph.
In 1924 he rose to the position of Deputy Minister and in 1935 was appointed Chief of Reforestation.
The Forest Fires Prevention Act and the establishment of the provincial air service are attributed to him.
A highlight of his noteworthy career was the establishment of the St. Williams tree nursery in 1908, the first of its kind in Ontario.