The author, born in 1854 was a native of Brae, Pictou County. A graduate of Dalhousie University, he went on to Auburn Theological seminary in Auburn, NY , becoming a Presbyterian Minister in 1887. He held pastorates in such diverse places as New York , St. John's, NF; Tennessee, etc. In addition to this title he also wrote Piconians at Home and Abroad. Well travelled , he was a correspondant for several Canadian and American papers as well as the Presbyterian Witness. (Long 146).