He was the son of a coal-miner and was educated to elementary level at Rydal, Wallerawang and Bathurst public schools.

[2] He sought pre-selection to be the Labour candidate for the Legislative Assembly seat of Wallsend at the 1894 election, but was defeated by David Watkins.

[7] Estell was pre-selected as the Labour candidate for Waratah, easily winning it at the 1904 election, retaining the seat in 1907 and 1910.

[4] Estell resigned from the Assembly on 13 February 1922 and was appointed to the Legislative Council the following day,[12] taking his seat on 11 April 1899 and serving until his death.

[4] Estell married Alleshia (Alicia) Jane Kirk on 10 September 1885 and they had 8 children, 3 daughters and 5 sons.