In the 1841 census he lists his occupation as Joiner Journeyman living at 37 Queen St, Monifieth.
I n the 1851 census he is living at 61 Murraygate with Janet, James, Janet, George, Alexander and James McDonald and John Lindsay - Occupation given as Chair Maker
Emigrated to New Zealand around 1860 and is recorded as carrying out business as a Timber Merchant than as a Shipping Agent, Royse Mudie & Co in Manse Street. He is also recorded as being a Cabinet Maker in Princes Street South, Dunedin. By 1880 he had returned to Scotland
In the 1891 census he is living with Janet and two grandsons, James and Francis Neish
Record of his death shows he died of cardiac disease and bronchitis