Born in Chenango County, New York. Enlisted in the 114th New York Infantry for three years at North Norwich, Chenango County, New York. Mustered in as a Private in Company C on 12 Aug 1862. Transferred to the 163rd Company, 2nd Battalion, Veteran Reserve Corps. Discharged on a Surgeon's certificate of disability at the Marine Hospital, New Orleans, Louisiana. A member of Custer Post No. 6 of Tacoma, Pierce County, Washington. According to a newspaper article published on 30 May 1929, he was one of the 40 remaining members of Custer Post, which 20 years prior had a membership of more than 300. Admitted to the Washington State Soldiers Home at Orting, Pierce County, Washington on 19 Feb 1923 where he died. In some military records his first name is spelled "Asahel".