He was educated at Trinity College, Dublin, where he joined the Trinity College Historical Society, and served as its auditor (chief executive officer), and won their gold medal for oratory.
He was conferred BA in 1855, called to the Irish Bar in 1858, and practised law for several years.
[citation needed] In December 1874 he was appointed Registrar of the University of Adelaide, which office he filled until 1882.
During this period he also on occasion served as acting clerk of the University Senate.
in the King's Birthday honours in 1914, presented by His Excellency the Governor-General (Sir Ronald Munro-Ferguson) on 3 September 1914.