He was born in England in 1812. He began as a pastoralist, then served for a short period in the Royal Navy. He migrated to Sydney and engaged in cattle droving, making many long  inland treks. He was very interested in the land and animals, and became a large landholder into South Australia, running many sheep. In 1846 he severed connections with the pastoral industry. He subsequently was appointed Second Clerk to the Treasury, then joined the Police Force in 1853. He was very interested in horses and it is said that he turned out the Mounted Constables like a cavalry troop. The diversity of his interests is illustrated by the fact that he was also an artist. He was appointed Commissioner of Police in 1867.