One of six children. Came to Texas by boat in 1881 with John Davidson. Moved to Miles City in 1884. Bough land on Slough Grass Creek and Rosebud Creek in 1887. About 1890 he bought a squatters claim eight miles down the valley, which became his permanent home. His partner in the sheep business for 30 years was Hugh Beaton Douglas of Ayrshire, Scotland.