 He was educated at Manchester Grammar School, and subsequently took holy orders.He is described on the title-pages of his books as B.A., but his name does not occur in the lists of Oxford or Cambridge graduates.He is said to have been at one time curate of Wakefield; he later became curate of Frickly-cum-Clayton and vicar of Hooton Pagnell, benefices near Doncaster, which he held until his death.