He was captain of several merchant vessels in the African trade; and his Memoirs, posthumously published, are notable for their descriptions of the west coast of Africa.
He lost his right eye in infancy, but despite this handicap was apprenticed to a boat builder and adopted a seafaring life.
[2] His Memoirs, published at London in 1830, 8vo, with his portrait prefixed, contain descriptions of the west coast of Africa, particularly the Kingdom of Bonny, and of the manners and customs of the inhabitants.
Kneale was unable to find backing to produce the play for the stage, but sold the script to ATV who put it into pre-production for television.
Shortly before filming it was cancelled by ATV's managing director, Lew Grade, and Kneale was never told why.