Career
Born in Bryn Llidiart, Llanllyfni, Caernarvonshire, he had worked as a slate quarryman before attending the University College of North Wales, Bangor, and Bala Theological College. From 1901 until 1912 he was a Calvinistic Methodist minister firstly in Lewisham, London and then in Tanygrisiau, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Merionethshire. In collaboration with Thomas Jones, he campaigned for adult education opportunities, and founded a branch of the Workers Educational Association in North Wales.
He also supported the campaign against tuberculosis in Wales.