he was born in london, ontario on 5 january 1860. he was educated in london, ontario. he received private tutoring as an architect and construction engineer. he articled with tracy & durand, in london, ontario from 1877 to 1881. he spent from 1881-1896 working as an assistant in new york to richard m. hunt, bruce price, and charles c. haight. he became an associate of clarence s. luce, in new york.