He started work as a builder, engaged on (among other projects) the earliest section of the Children's Hospital. When gold was discovered in Victoria he joined the rush and had some success at Castlemaine. He then operated as builder and developer, in partnership with Richard Hazelgrove (1828–1907), in the copper-mining towns of Kadina, Wallaroo and Moonta, then for eight years was landlord of Moonta's Royal Hotel. He was the founder of Moonta's first Masonic lodge, and became a member of the town council.
