A resident of Sumner, Fillmore County, Minnesota when he enlisted at the age of 24 in the 2nd Minnesota Cavalry for three years at Sumner, Minnesota. Mustered in as a Private in Company A at Fort Snelling, Minnesota on 5 Dec 1863. Promoted to 3rd Corporal on 1 Jan 1864. Discharged with his Company. A member of Custer Post No. 6 of Tacoma, Pierce County, Washington. Died in Tacoma, Washington. His place of birth has been variously listed as New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont. His last name is sometimes spelled "Morrell".