He was severely injured in a fall from a horse and had a speech impairment as a result.

[1] Back in England to recuperate, he became interested in the Canterbury Association and decided to emigrate.

He married Georgeanna Janet Grace Richmond at Christ Church Cathedral in Nelson on 30 July 1857.

He was appointed as a minister without portfolio in the 2nd Parliament in the Sewell Ministry, from 18 April to 20 May 1856.

[10] In the 3rd Parliament, he was a member of the executive council of the Domett Ministry from 6 August 1862 until 6 February 1863.