Born in Wells County, Indiana. A resident of Topeka, Shawnee County, Kansas when he enlisted in the 2nd Kansas Infantry for three months on 14 May 1861. Mustered in as a Private in Company A on 20 Jun 1861. Mustered out on 31 Oct 1861 at Leavenworth, Leavenworth County, Kansas. A resident of Topeka, Kansas when he enlisted in the 11th Kansas Cavalry at Topeka, Kansas. Mustered in as a Sergeant in Company E on 13 Sep 1862. Promoted to 2nd Lieutenant and transferred to Company M on 19 Apr 1864. A member of Custer Post No. 6 of Tacoma, Pierce County, Washington. Died in Puyallup, Pierce County, Washington. He is buried in a G.A.R. section of the cemetery.