Details of Piper's early life are unclear, except that he was born around 1810 into a Wiradjuri clan near to the site what soon after became the British military outpost of Bathurst.

[1] In 1836, the chief surveyor of the colony of New South Wales, Thomas Mitchell, was tasked with exploring the major rivers to the south-west of Sydney.

At Bathurst, he entered into an agreement with Piper to act as a guide and envoy to assist the large group through the lands of the 'savage natives'.

[2] Piper led Mitchell's expedition down the Lachlan River, where he interacted with the local Wiradjuri clans, facilitating the travel through their countries.

Piper initially maintained traditional culture such as refusing to emu meat, which was reserved for elders, and following prolonged introductory customs when meeting new tribesmen.

The expedition also took on other Wiradjuri guides along the Lachlan, such as Barney, Tommy-came-first, Tommy-came-last and the female widow Turandurey, who acted as deputies to Piper.

Piper attempted negotiations but Mitchell became deeply suspicious of their actions, and on 27 May 1836, his men opened fire on a large group in what is now known as the Mount Dispersion massacre.

Mitchell regarded Piper as the most accomplished member of his group, being the tallest, bravest, best hunter, swimmer and diver, and was now able to speak multiple Indigenous languages.

[2] On the return journey to Sydney, Piper continued to assist Mitchell's group, including informing them how to make a sweet drink from steeping ironbark blossoms in water.