Apprenticed at Kilmarnock Works where he joined the drawing office in 1865, succeding James Stirling as Foreman in 1866. Became Locomotive Superintendent of the Maryport & Carlisle Railway in February 1870, but returned to the GSWR in 1878 as Locomotive Superintendent. During a later position at St Rollox, became embroiled in the Scottish railway strike which commenced in December 1890. Did his best to obtain a settlement for the Caledonian Railway but his health gave way before one was reached and he died in a Bridge of Allan Hydropathic establishment in April 1891.