With his brother-in-law, Thomas Beckett, he founder the firm R. R. Dobell & Co, Quebec, at one time one of the largest of its kind in Canada.

[1] He took an active interest in public affairs, was elected President of the Quebec Board of Trade, and was a Harbour Commissioner for that city.

He was a prominent supporter of the cause of Imperial federation, and was a founder of the British Empire League.

[2] He died on 13 January 1902 of a head injury caused by falling from a horse while visiting his son-in-law at Folkestone, England.

His son, Charles Macpherson Dobell, was a Major General in the British Army.