His boyhood days - spent acquiring a business education. At age 17 he chose the milling business. His first years of apprenticeship - served in Earl Twp. 1822 - he was induced by his brothers to seek his fortune in Canada. He came to Waterloo in the fall. He then went back and brought his wife and 4 children. They made the trip in 17 days. He worked for Abram Erb in a grist mill for a while. Then he entered the employ of Mr. Shade of Galt for 2 years. He eventually had 12 children.