Photographer. Born in London, England. Founded a cloth business in London J & J Minnis, in partnership with John Minnis. Emigrated to New Zealand circa early 1890s; in Christchurch by 1896. Married 1897 in Christchurch to Thirza Rachel, nee Barford; two children. They separated and their marriage was dissolved circa 1922.
Initially located in Christchurch, he purchased the Queen Sreet photographic business of T E Price in 1896 and moved to Masterton. By June 1898 Minnis had leased the Queen Street premises to a stationer F E Vibert.
(According to PA3-0164, late of T E Price)