Born in Hawick, Roxburghshire, Scotland, he moved to Canada West when still a youth.

[1] When the rest of his family moved to Huron County to establish a farm,[2] he decided to remain in Nelson Township, becoming a prominent wheat merchant.

[3] He was Reeve of Nelson Township for two years,[1] and was instrumental in incorporating the Village of Wellington Square in 1873.

[1] In 1885, he sold his interest in his business to his partner, and became a lumber baron, moving to Toronto in the process.

In that time, he developed a close friendship with Wilfrid Laurier, which proved useful after he left office.