In California, he took part in the evolution of that state's mining laws, but had little success in the goldfields but also practiced medicine, and is credited with rescuing the lives of many miners (his medical skills were later of use during a cholera epidemic in British Columbia). Staying in California only a few years, he returned to Canada and became involved in the wheat trade in Ontario.
In California, he participated in the development of that state's mining laws but had limited success in the goldfields. He also practiced medicine and is recognized for saving many miners' lives (his medical skills were later useful during a cholera outbreak in British Columbia). After spending only a few years there, he relocated to Canada where he became involved in the wheat trade.