Born in Ohio. A resident of Martinsburg, Keokuk County, Iowa when he enlisted in the 1st Iowa Cavalry on 13 Jun 1861. Mustered in as a Private in Company I at Burlington, Des Moines County, Iowa on 3 Aug 1861. Promoted to 1st Battalion Quartermaster on 7 Aug 1861 and transferred to Field and Staff (F&S). Mustered out on 10 Apr 1862. Commissioned Captain of Company D, 18th Iowa Infantry on 6 Jun 1862. Mustered in at Clinton, Clinton County, Iowa on 6 Aug 1862. On 8 Jan 1863 severely wounded during the Second Battle of Springfield, Missouri. As a result of his wounds, he resigned his commission at St. Louis, Missouri. Joined George H. Thomas Post No. 5 of Olympia, Thurston County, Washington on 21 Dec 1912. Admitted to the Washington State Soldiers Home at Orting, Pierce County, Washington on 11 Mar 1913 and honorably discharged on 17 Mar 1913. On 17 Mar 1913 transferred to the Washington State Soldiers Home Colony at Orting, Washington. Died in the County Hospital in Tacoma, Pierce County, Washington. He is buried in a G.A.R. section of the cemetery.