Born on 26 May 1790 at Chartershall, near Stirling, Scotland, the son of James Clow, farmer and miller, and his wife Helen, nee Gray. Educated at St. Andrew's and Edinburgh Universities. Licenced to preach by the Presbytery of Kirkaldy on 21 July 1813. Went to India in 1815 as a chaplain in the Honourable East India Company's service. He married on 13 April 1819 at St. Thomas' Church, Bombay, India, to Margaret Morison, daughter of Capt. M. W. Morison and his wife Mary, nee McIvor. Became the senior minister of the Scots Church, Bombay. Resigned in 1833 and returned to Scotland. Migrated to Van Diemen's Land in 1837 per "North Briton". Visited Port Phillip in October 1837 from Hobart and decided to settle here. Returned on 25 December 1837 with his wife and family. Bought land in Melbourne and vicinity. Often officiated at Presbyterian services but held no formal post as minister. Died on 15 March 1861 at his residence, 'Oakhill', near Queenscliff, Victoria, and was buried on 19 March 1861 at the Melbourne General Cemetery, Carlton, Vic.

[death certificate; Scott Fasti Ecclesiae Scoticanae; Australian Dictionary of Biography (Vol. 1); Ward & Prentis Presbyterian Ministers in Australia 1822-1901; Mary Bennett (researcher)]

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