Born in Highland County, Ohio. A resident of Montezuma, Poweshiek County, Iowa when he enlisted in the 40th Iowa Infantry. Mustered in as 1st Sergeant of Company B on 23 Sep 1862. Promoted to Sergeant Major on 7 Nov 1862, and transferred to Field and Staff. Discharged for promotion to Captain in the 6th Arkansas Infantry (African Descent) at Little Rock, Pulaski County, Arkansas on 18 Jun 1864. Mustered in for three years as Captain of Company B at Little Rock, Arkansas on 20 Jun 1864. The 6th Arkansas Infantry (African Descent) became the 113th U.S. Colored Infantry. From 30 Sep 1864 to 30 Nov 1864 on medical furlough. On 2 Apr 1865 transferred from Company B (old organization) to Company D (new organization). Started detached duty as Assistant Provost Marshal and Superintendent of Freedmen at Paraclifta, Sevier County, Arkansas on 7 Jul 1865. Resigned his commission on 9 Apr 1866 at DeValls Bluff, Prairie County, Arkansas. Became a charter member of Wisner Post No. 127 of Montezuma, Iowa on 27 Jan 1883. Served as the first Post Senior Vice Commander. Received an honorable discharge from the Post on 2 Jul 1886. Later joined Custer Post No. 6 of Tacoma, Pierce County, Washington. Died in Tacoma, Washington.