He was born at Fermoy in County Cork to miller James Torpy and Jane Mortimer.
He owned interests around Lambing Flat and was arrested in 1861 for his role in the anti-Chinese riots held there; he was acquitted of all charges.
He moved to Forbes in 1862 and later to Orange, where he continued to run hotels until 1876, when he visited Ireland.
On his return he worked as a wine and spirits merchant, and also was the proprietor of the Western Daily Advocate from 1884.
In 1889 he was elected to the New South Wales Legislative Assembly for Orange, representing the Protectionist Party.