Sent as an apprentice to Arkwright's famous works at Cromford. 1785 - along with his brothers, he set up a cotton factory on the Teith. 1793 - sold the Teith factory to Benjamin Flounders and moved to Balfron. 1801 - James Finlay and Co of Glasgow purchased a mill at Catrine and Buchanan, by this time a partner in the company, managed it.