Born in Elgin, Knox County, Illinois. A resident of Galesburg, Knox County, Illinois when he enlisted in the 30th Illinois Infantry for three years at Aledo, Mercer County, Illinois. Mustered in as a Private in Company A at Camp Butler, Illinois on 29 Aug 1861. Re-enlisted as a Veteran Volunteer for three years at Vicksburg, Mississippi on 1 Jan 1864. Re-mustered in at Vicksburg, Mississippi on 24 Jan 1864. Taken as a prisoner of war and held at Andersonville, Georgia. Exchanged at Atlanta, Georgia on 19 Sep 1864. Mustered out at Springfield, Sangamon County, Illinois. Joined George H. Thomas Post No. 5 of Olympia, Thurston County, Washington on 9 Jun 1890, and later joined Custer Post No. 6 of Tacoma, Pierce County, Washington on 20 Feb 1909. Died in Tacoma, Washington.