Born in Johnson County, Vermont. A resident of Wenona, Marshall County, Illinois when he enlisted in the 138th Illinois Infantry for 100 days at Wenona, Illinois. Mustered in as a Private in Company K at Quincy, Illinois on 21 Jun 1864. Discharged to re-enlist on 31 Aug 1864. Re-enlisted in the 11th Illinois Cavalry for one year at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas on 1 Sep 1864. Mustered in as a Private in Company F at Fort Leavenworth on 5 Sep 1864. Mustered out at Memphis, Tennessee on 9 Jun 1865. A charter member of W. H. Seward Post No. 36 of Juneau, Alaska Territory. Served the Post as Quartermaster Sergeant in 1891 and Sergeant Major in 1895. Died in Seattle, King County, Washington.