.. was making banjos in New York City prior around the 1850's  and he went to California with his banjo making friend Thomas W Bree during the boom times following the gold rush of1849.  

It is not known when he returned to New York but it is reported that he presented a banjo of his making as first prize at the Banjo Tournament held at the Chinese Assembly Rooms on Broadway in 1857.  (However other research suggests that this banjo was supplied by Jimmie Clarke).