In the 1901 census he was a tailor but by the time he enlisted on 29th August 1914 he was a pit headman and at 36 years and 8 months old he was older than most. He had previously been a regular soldier.
His service record survives. He was recruited by Sgt McGill. He had been with the 2nd battalion the Royal Scots Fusiliers. He was single. Regimental number 7355 1st RSF and 657045 in the Labour Corps.
He was sent to France almost immediately in September 1914 but by January 1915 he was court-martialled for not obeying an order and sentenced to 3 years' penal servitude. He didn't serve much of this as he was posted again in February 1916. His recent good conduct was noted.
He was transferred to the Labour Corps and on demob was of very good character.
His address was 4 Barrhill Rd (parents' address) also down as Hillside Cottage. He was 40 on discharge.
After the war he moved to Glasgow and married Janet Napier in 1920. He lived in 32 Hopehill Road in 1935 when he applied to join the Glasgow branch of The Old Contemptibles. He died in Ruchill Hospital in 1949.