Born in Ohio. A resident of Dubuque, Dubuque County, Iowa when he joined the 6th Iowa Cavalry for three years. He was appointed Lieutenant Colonel on 21 Oct 1862 and was mustered in at Davenport, Scott County, Iowa on 31 Jan 1863. Promoted to Colonel on 22 Jun 1864. He was made a Brevet Brigadier General of Volunteers for faithful and meritorious services on 13 Mar 1865. Mustered out and honorably discharged at Sioux City, Woodbury County, Iowa. A member of Custer Post No. 6 of Tacoma, Pierce County, Washington. Died at his home in Tacoma, Washington.