Born in Norway, he was a resident of Decorah, Winneshiek County, Iowa when he enlisted in the 12th Iowa Infantry. He was mustered in as a Private in Company G on 5 Nov 1861. Missing in action on the first day of the Battle of Pittsburg Landing, Tennessee, 6 Apr 1862. Re-enlisted and re-mustered as a Veteran on 5 Jan 1864. Promoted 8th Corporal 11 Feb 1864; 6th Corporal; 5th Corporal 1 Mar 1865; 3rd Corporal 1 Jun 1865. He mustered out at Memphis, Tennessee. He was a member of Nathan P. Gregg Post No. 127 of Hillyard, Spokane County, Washington. In 1923 he served as Post Senior Vice Commander.