Eleventh child. Married but never produced children.
Went to Melbourne High School then Melbourne University, following after his older brother James. Completed an engineering degree there. Then took up teaching posts at Ballarat, Sydney and Bathurst. He also held positions in the public service and as a judge's associate. Had an interest in mining - he had several mining leases, and the sale of one of these "made his fortune". However he was not a good money manager, and later went to his brothers James and Edwin for financial assistance.