Reared on his father's farm in Shrewsbury, he developed a strong constitution, and at the same time acquired those habits of thrift and industry which mark the successful man. His studies were designed to enable him to enter professional life, for which he was mentally and physically qualified, and in which he has won an honorable reputation. Entering, as a youth, the shipyard of McCarthy & Brother, of Hoboken, he filled successively the positions of clerk, timekeeper, bookkeeper, and general manager, and gained the respect and confidence of all with whom he came into contact, and especially of his employers. His experience was at once broad and practical, and included a thorough knowledge of every branch of ship building, even to designing, carpentering and joining, calking, and marine draughting. After a period of sixteen years in these different capacities he withdrew to engage in business for himself as a marine surveyor, a profession for which his duties had eminently fitted him, and one in which he has achieved remarkable success. In 1888 he removed from Jersey City to West Hoboken, N. J., where he has built, on Malone Street, a neat and attractive home after his own plans and designs.