Born in Clinton, Kennebec County, Maine. A resident of Presque Isle, Aroostook County, Maine when he enlisted in the 15th Maine Infantry for three years. Mustered in as a Private in Company C at Augusta, Kennebec County, Maine on 9 Dec 1861. Reenlisted as a Veteran Volunteer on 25 Jan 1864. Promoted to Corporal in 1864. Later promoted to Sergeant. Mustered out and honorably discharged at Charleston, South Carolina. A member of Custer Post No. 6 of Tacoma, Pierce County, Washington. Served the Post as Officer of the Day in 1891, Junior Vice Commander in 1892, and Senior Vice Commander in 1917. Died in Tacoma, Washington. He is buried in a G.A.R. section of the cemetery. His headstone incorrectly has his last name as "Owens".