Born in Union County, Indiana. A resident of Union County, Indiana when he enlisted in the 36th Indiana Infantry at Richmond, Wayne County, Indiana. Mustered in as a Private in Company G on 23 Oct 1861. Wounded on 31 Dec 1862 during the Battle of Stones River, Tennessee. Discharged for disability. A member of Chas. Baker Post No. 37 of Panora, Guthrie County, Iowa. Served as Post Commander. By 1890 had joined Custer Post No. 6 of Tacoma, Pierce County, Washington. Elected as a Delegate to the 1896 and an Alternate to the 1907 Encampments of the Department of Washington and Alaska, Grand Army of the Republic (GAR). At the time of his death, he was President of Pacific National Bank in Tacoma, Washington. Died at his home in Tacoma, Washington. His military records spell his last name as "Penticost".