Linen manufacturer.

Went to New York as the head of a British company formed to develop the production of iron, hemp, flax, and potash in America (1764).

Went to England because of business difficulties. While there, submitted a petition for lands in Canada at the site of an old French iron works.

Returned to America (1768). Had more difficulties with his associates and went back to Prussia where he established a successful linen manufacturing enterprise (1773).

Born in Remscheid, Prussia; son of an iron manufacturer. Married in 1745 to Katharine Wilds; the marriage produced issue.