 In 1874, he became an analytical chemist with a company in Manchester, where he met and married Ettie.He later moved to Wrexham and in September 1880 he took up employment with the Zoedone Mineral Water Company, where he worked until 1882.He also worked for the Brymbo Steelworks Company where he was appointed chief chemist, but had to leave after two years due to ill health.