Born in Fabius, Onondaga County, New York. Enlisted in the 3rd New York Cavalry for three years at Rochester, Monroe County, New York. Mustered in as a Private in Company H on 27 Aug 1861. Appointed Saddler on 31 Aug 1861. Re-enlisted and re-mustered as a Veteran Volunteer for three years at Newport News, Virginia on 16 Dec 1863. Promoted to Quartermaster Sergeant on 25 Mar 1865. Transferred to Company A on 29 Jun 1865. Transferred to Company F, 1st New York Mounted Rifles on 21 Jul 1865. Designation of the Regiment changed to 4th New York Provisional Cavalry on 6 Sep 1865. Mustered out with his Company at City Point, Virginia. A member of Custer Post No. 6 of Tacoma, Pierce County, Washington. Admitted to the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers at Sawtelle, Los Angeles County, California on 21 Nov 1912 and discharged at his own request on 25 Mar 1918. Died at his home in Tacoma, Washington. Served under the name of Burlin Pixley.