Born in London, England, he reportedly began his study of the cornet with only its mouthpiece; his family could not afford the instrument itself. After migrating to the United States, he began a significant musical career as a cornet soloist and was billed as "The World's Greatest Cornetist". He was widely regarded as a foremost player, although the claim of world's greatest has some challengers. He was a member of Patrick Gilmore's band for several years, performing with them at the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia in 1876. He was also a tester and promoter for C.G. Conn, a manufacturer of musical instruments.