Born in Kilsyth, Sterlingshire, Scotland; baptized in Canada in 1845; immigrated to Salt Lake Valley in 1847, settling in Millcreek area; miller by profession; moved to West Jordan in 1858, having been called as bishop of West Jordan Ward; moved to Star Valley, Wyoming, following release as bishop in 1891; returned to Utah shortly before his death; died in Salt Lake City. (See Jenson, BE, 2:329–30; Esshom, Pioneers and Prominent Men, 884; Hughes, Life of Archibald Gardner; “Noted Character Laid to Rest,” Deseret Evening News, Feb. 12, 1902; GQC journal, Apr. 12, 1853.)