 He joined the Canadian Militia in 1864, when he was 14 years old, saw active service during the First and Second Fenian Raids, and later commanded the Ottawa and Carleton Rifles regiment in the militia.He was made a companion of the Order of St. Michael and St. George in 1913.He was a crack marksman, winning ten Dominion and Provincial Rifle medals, the McDougall Cup in 1879, and winning a place in the Governor General’s Cup in 1879, 1880, 1885 and 1887 as well as being a member and commandant on two Canadian Bisley teams.