Born in Rossville, Clinton County, Indiana. A resident of Pittsburg, Carroll County, Indiana when he enlisted in the 12th Indiana Infantry for three years at Brookston, White County, Indiana. Mustered in as a Private in Company D the same day he enlisted. Mustered out at Washington, DC. On 6 Jan 1882 joined George H. Thomas Post No. 5 of Olympia, Thurston County, Washington Territory. In 1884 served as Post Chaplain. While a member of the Thomas Post, he served as the last Chaplain of the Provisional Department of Washington Territory, and on 20 Jun 1883 he was elected the first Chaplain of the Department of Washington Territory serving until 17 Apr 1884. He later joined Custer Post No. 6 of Tacoma, Pierce County, Washington. According to his obituary, he was one of the incorporators of Puget Sound University and served on the board of trustees for four years. By the time of his death, the name of the school had been changed to College of Puget Sound. Today it is the University of Puget Sound. Died in Tacoma, Washington.