He emigrated to the Moreton Bay district in 1838 and established a mercantile business.
He also acquired significant pastoral interests in the Wide Bay and Burnett districts.
After suffering some financial difficulties in the 1880s Sandeman returned to the United Kingdom where he died aged 87.
[2] He resigned from parliament after 18 months to concentrate on his business interests.
[3] In 1874 he was then appointed to the Queensland Legislative Council, holding that position till it was declared vacant in 1886.