They had four children: He was a grain merchant, becoming a partner of the Liverpool firm of Ross T. Smyth and Co. in 1889, until his retirement in 1924.
He represented the Liverpool Corn Trade Association on the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board, 1905–1933.
He made many gifts to the University, including parts of the family Liverpool estate, Greenbank, to provide student accommodation.
He stood again in 1929 general election, increasing his vote but repeating the third place which he had achieved in 1924.
[1] He and his wife Emily founded the Liberal Party Garmoyle Institute in Smithdown Road, Liverpool.