He was one of ten children born to the couple before his father George died of meningitis when David was only 10 years old.
David served in the 15th (North Belfast) Battalion Royal Irish Rifles.
David died on 5th Feb 1916, aged 19, leaving £8-18-9 in his will to his mother Margaret in Jennymount Street, Belfast.
David is buried at Sucrerie Military Cemetery, Colincamps, France.