Born in Cumberland, Marion County, Indiana. A resident of Richmond, Wayne County, Indiana when he enlisted in the 5th Indiana Cavalry (90th Indiana Volunteers) for three years at Richmond, Indiana on 9 Aug 1862. Mustered in as a Private in Company B the same day he enlisted. Discharged for disability caused by typhoid fever at Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana on 24 Dec 1862. Enlisted in the U.S. Navy at Cincinnati, Hamilton County, Ohio on 18 Aug 1863. He reported to the USS Grampus, the receiving ship at Cincinnati, Ohio, as a Seaman. He next reported to the USS Clara Dolsen, the receiving ship at Cairo, Illinois. Later he reported to the USS Peosta where he served as a Yeoman. Discharged on 21 Jun 1865. A member of Custer Post No. 6 of Tacoma, Pierce County, Washington. Elected as a Delegate to the 1911, 1915, and 1917 Encampments of the Department of Washington and Alaska, Grand Army of the Republic (GAR). According to a newspaper article published on 30 May 1928, he was one of the 50 remaining members of Custer Post, which 19 years prior had a membership of more than 300. Died at his home in Tacoma, Washington. According to his death certificate he was born on 22 Aug 1846 and the 1900 U.S. Census reports he was born in Aug 1846, but numerous sworn affidavits filed in connection with his Navy Pension stated his date of birth was 27 Aug 1844.