Born in Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana. A resident of Indianapolis, Indiana when he enlisted in the 70th Indiana Infantry for three years. Mustered in as a Private in Company G at Indianapolis, Indiana. Mustered out at Washington, DC. An older brother, Philip, enlisted in the 148th Indiana Infantry, Company I, 20 Feb 1865. A member of Custer Post No. 6 of Tacoma, Pierce County, Washington. Died in Tacoma, Washington. His pension records and obituary spells his last name as "Gwinnup".