Left Canada in 1837, spent time in Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Missouri and Texas. He was known to be in Texas at the opening of the War of the Rebellion. (U.S. Civil War, 1861.) At this time his property was all confiscated, losing $80,000 between him and his partner. This was all reclaimed after the war.
Married Sarah R. Phelps. Had four children; Oscar, Alice, Eva C., and James