Pastoralist. Educated at Newry and Exeter, England. Lacked money to study for the Bar; trained in business with firm in Exeter. To Victoria in 1852. Successful on goldfields; joined 1855 rush to New Bendigo (St Arnaud), where introduced quartz crushing machinery, opened store and engaged in pastoral pursuits and prospered. With Martin Shanahan acquired Warbreccan station near Deniliquin, New South Wales 1862; moved there 1863. The partners later acquired Garawilla, nearr Gunnedah, and Denobillie and Ulimambri, near Coonabarabran; also Westbrook, 80,000 acres on Darling Downs, 1874, which became his home after Warbreccan sold 1885. On Shanahan's death, 1882, his son became partner. Lost all properties except Westbrook during drought and financial crisis of early 1890s. In 1880s, director of Intercolonial Life Assurance Annuity and General Association, and of Colonial Mutual Life Assurance Society; local director of London Chartered Bank of Australia. Commissioner for Exhibitions at Melbourne 1875, Philadelphia 1876; executive commissioner for Sydney International Exhibition 1879. Joined Riverine Association 1863 but did not support separation. Vice-president of Agriculture Society of New South Wales 1876-1887; fellow of the Senate, University of Sydney, 1883-1891; trustee National Art Gallery of New South Wales 1885-1897; president of Sydney Liedertafel, and enthusiastic patron and performer of music; member Union Club. First practising Roman Catholic Premier of New South Wales; generous contributor to church funds; fellow of St John's College, University of Sydney, 1868-1872, 1874-1891. Represented New South Wales at the Colonial Conference, London, 1887; delegate at Federal Convention 1896. Estate valued at £ 4,400.