Born in Henderson County, Illinois. A resident of Biggsville, Henderson County, Illinois when he enlisted in the 84th Illinois Infantry for three years. Mustered in as a private in Company K at Quincy, Adams County, Illinois on 1 Sep 1862. Transferred to Company B, 1st U.S. Veteran Volunteer Engineers on 29 Jul 1864. On 4 May 1904 joined George H. Thomas Post, No. 5, of Olympia, Thurston County, Washington. Later transferred to Custer Post, No. 6, of Tacoma, Pierce County, Washington. Died in Tacoma, Washington. He is buried in a Grand Army of the Republic section of the cemetery.