Born in England, he moved to New York with his wife and two children in the year 1832. At this time the cholera was raging as an epidemic. Leaving his family in New York to pay a flying visit to Catskill, he returned to find his wife and one of his children dead from this dreadful disease — already in their coffins, prepared for burial. Overwhelmed with grief, he returned with his remaining child to Catskill, where he became the pastor of the Baptist Church of that place. While laboring here he met and married Maria S. Perkins, daughter of a prominent gentleman of that town, and who bore him a son.

He held pastorates in New York, Philadelphia, Providence and Newport, R. I. Upon leaving Catskill he accepted a call to the Tabernacle Baptist Church, of New York. Here he remained for several years, during which time his son was born. From here he removed to Providence, R. I., to become the pastor of the First Baptist Church of that town. During his labors in Providence the degree of Master of Arts was conferred upon him by the Trustees of Brown University. From here he removed to New York city, where he labored not only as a pastor, but as a powerful opponent of the Roman Catholic Church. Having enjoyed a liberal college education in his own country, he became a formidable opponent, and entered the list in public discussion with the renowned Archbishop Hughes, at the same time penning the History of Romanism, which went through multiple editions.

On leaving New York he removed to Philadelphia, succeeding the celebrated Dr. Stoughton as pastor of the Sansom Street Baptist Church. Here he was as popular as elsewhere, ministering to one of the largest congregations in the city, and maintaining his high position as a leader in the Baptist denomination. He once more returned to New York, where he again officiated in his holy calling, though with less demonstration. As of 1873 he was sixty-five years of age and in the enjoyment of good health. His son by his second wife grew up to become a doctor.