Born in Indiana. Enlisted in the 19th Massachusetts Infantry for three years at Pembroke, Plymouth County, Massachusetts under the alias of John Jackson. Mustered in as a Private in Company I at Boston Harbor, Massachusetts on 5 May 1864. On 16 May 1864 joined his Company. Captured at Petersburg, Virginia on 22 Jun 1864. Confined at Richmond, Virginia on 24 Jun 1864. Sent to Lynchburg, Virginia on 29 Jun 1864. Paroled at Savannah, Georgia on 30 Nov 1864. Reported to Camp Parole, Maryland on 10 Dec 1864. On 15 Dec 1864 furloughed for 30 days. Returned to his Company on 16 Jan 1865. On 26 Jan 1865 transferred to hospital and reported to Division #1 General Hospital, U.S. Army, Annapolis, Maryland on 27 Jan 1865. Mustered out with his Company at Munson's Hill, Virginia. A charter member of Custer Post No. 6 of Tacoma, Pierce County, Washington. A member of the City Council of Tacoma, Washington at the time of his death. Died in Yakima, Yakima County, Washington. Widow Jane Elizabeth filed for a pension in 1894, which was granted. Note: Information concerning military service is from his Complied Military Service Record (CMSR).