Born 13 Apr 1837 at Staunton Harold, baptised 28 May 1837 at Griffydam Methodist Chapel. Married Elizabeth Smith at Belton-in-Rutland 27 Apr 1857. Children: Sarah Elizabeth 1858-1858 Sarah Elizabeth 1859-1909 Clara 1861-1864; William Rainey 1866-1908
Family moved to Horninglow, Burton when he was a young man. He was apprenticed as a cooper (a maker or repairer of casks and barrels) at Burton, and worked at Allsopp & Sons. While in that position, he wrote a treatise on brewing, and also applied himself to the study of Greek and Latin classics, and of English Literature.
Following his marriage and the birth of his children, he moved to Maidstone, Kent, where he undertook the management of a brewery. He also contributed to many notable English and American magazines and reviews and wrote a number of books.
In 1880, he was publicly presented with a gold hunting watch and chain at a banquet at the Corn Exchange, Maidstone. In 1887 he was unanimously elected a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, while in the same year he was placed on the Fellowship of the Society of Arts. In 1888 he was presented with his portrait in oil and his crowning distinction came when the honarary degree of LL.D. (Doctor of Law) was conferred on him.
He died 29 Dec 1903 at Maidstone, Kent, and was buried in Burton.