Born in Paris, Jennings County, Indiana. A resident of Bartholomew County, Indiana when he enlisted in the 13th Indiana Infantry at Columbus, Bartholomew County, Indiana. Mustered in as a Musician (drummer) in Company K on 19 Jun 1861. A member of Custer Post No. 6 of Tacoma, Pierce County, Washington. In 1907 elected as the 15th Mayor of the City of Tacoma, Washington serving a single term of two years (1908-1910). Died in Tacoma, Washington. His headstone incorrectly indicates his year of birth as 1844, his passport application, the 1900 U.S. Census, and his death certificate all indicate he was born in 1843.